Joao Cancelo was a happy man after shining in Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Levante in La Liga as the Catalans returned to the top of the table.
The Portugal star had to be patient since returning on loan in the January transfer window but delivered a strong performance and expressed satisfaction with his outing.
Cancelo also spoke about his manager, saying Hansi Flick is the most demanding coach he has ever worked with.
“I think Hansi is the most demanding coach I’ve ever had in my career. But I love that, I love that kind of challenge and commitment,” he told Movistar.
“Hansi asks a lot of me in terms of dribbles and penetrations, and that’s what I always try to do for the good of the team.”
He admitted that when he arrived he wasn’t in his best physical shape but is gradually getting back to his level. The match gave him confidence to keep going.
Cancelo said it was his best game since returning to Barcelona as he took advantage of the opportunity the coach gave him and felt he was playing really well, with everything coming together during the game.
He described himself as an attacking full-back and emphasized the importance of the three points, saying the team played well. Now the focus is on working hard for the crucial next match against Villarreal.
He added that football always gives you a chance to respond, which they did today after two poor games, acknowledging that Villarreal have good players despite being low in the table and that the league is very tough.
Cancelo took over from Alejandro Balde as left-back and recorded his first assist since returning by setting up Frenkie de Jong for Barcelona’s second goal.
