Joao Cancelo says he hates losing ahead of Bayern-Manchester City clash

Joao Cancelo has made it clear to Manchester City that he will not be on the losing side of their Champions League quarter-final encounter when they face Bayern Munich.

City surprisingly approved a loan move for Cancelo on transfer deadline day, to spend the rest of the season in Germany. The 28-year-old returns to Manchester earlier than expected, given the two clubs meet in the last eight of the Champions League.

Cancelo is free to play versus City despite the English side being his parent club since UEFA competitions differ from the Premier League. The circumstances behind the player’s abrupt departure earlier this year will be an additional motivator going to the game.

“I saw the move as an opportunity to play for a big club like FC Bayern,” Cancelo explained in an interview uploaded onto the club’s YouTube channel hours before the first leg. “I like new challenges. I want to prove to the people and myself that I can adjust to new situations, regardless of the league or the club. Ultimately, I want to show that against all odds and challenges, I can always come back and get stronger.

“Bayern is a club that considers discipline very important; the staff at FC Bayern are very professional – and I can identify with these principles. I am a very competitive player, and I don’t like losing. Never give up – that sums up who I am. Discipline as well, as I am a professional and hardworking footballer with a strong personality.”

Cancelo has featured in all of Bayern’s last three games across all competitions and is expected to play a role on Tuesday against City.