JoaoCancelo, Barcelona's Portuguese full-back, is at the center of a wave of criticism after his performances in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain and in the Clasico against Real Madrid, where Barça were defeated 2‑1. Despite the full trust of coach HansiFlick, the player responded directly to the negative comments, publishing a message on his social media in which he stated that "from the stands they are all specialists" and that he would like to see the fans take to the pitch to withstand the pressure. He added that “the only one who can't doubt himself is me,” reiterating his self-confidence.
The day after the defeat against Los Blancos, Cancelo shared a black and white photo accompanied by the song “Yo creo en mí” (“I believe in me”), once again demonstrating his determination to overcome criticism. The Portuguese, who began the season on a six-month loan from Al‑Hilal, has been recalled to the pitch by his coach, who considers him an essential figure in Barcelona's defence. The player is ready to deploy, but still has to overcome the latest tactical uncertainties regarding his position.
Barça's next two matches, against DeportivoAlaves and AstonVilla in the Champions League, represent a crucial opportunity for Cancelo to prove his worth. The full-back, usually employed on the left flank, could return to his natural position on the right if JulesKoundé were to be excluded from the pitch from the start. Furthermore, the possible absences of EricGarcia and XaviEspart, who have already created problems in defense, could force the coach to reconsider the defensive composition.
With a contract that expires in 2029, Cancelo intends to use these two matches to bring his form back to peak level and put an end to the controversies that have accompanied his season. If he manages to restore Barça's defensive solidity, he will finally be able to silence the critics and consolidate his position in the team. The Portuguese's future will depend on his performances in the next matches, which will define whether he will be able to restore the trust of the club and the fans.