Cancelo: My Future is Not Important, and This is the Difference Between Xavi and Flick
Tuesday 07-04-2026
Portuguese full-back João Cancelo spoke at the press conference for the match between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, clarifying several points about the match, his future, and the team's level.

Regarding the upcoming match against Atletico Madrid, Cancelo said: 'We expect the same style from Atletico in recent years. It's an attacking team with talented players. We have to control the gameplay as we did in the last encounter and strive for victory. This competition is very important for us.'

About his personal level, he added: 'I don't know if I'm at 100% of my best. As weeks and training go by, it's natural for my talent to show. My goal is to help the team achieve its objectives. In the last match, we all performed well. I always try to contribute to achieving victory.'

Regarding his future next season, he explained: 'In football, anything is possible. I will continue to work and know what I want for the next season. I want to help Barcelona continue in this competition and win the Spanish league, that's the most important. My future now doesn't matter.'

On the possibility of surprising Atletico Madrid or securing early qualification, he confirmed: 'The match is very important. We know we will play later at Wanda, which is a very tough stadium. It would be good to achieve a positive result to pave the way for qualification, but we have to be prepared for all possibilities.'

About the impact of coach Hans Flick, he pointed out: 'He's a great person, very close to the players. He introduced the dynamics of pressure and aggression, which makes him a different coach from others.'

Cancelo spoke about the young players, especially Lamine Yamal: 'There's no need to talk much, Lamine is one of the most talented players in the world or among the top three. It's an honor for me to continue working with him and watching him in training. He makes a difference, and it's good to have him on our side.'

On the chances of relying on him at Barcelona, he said: 'Opportunities are always there. I have a contract with Al Hilal, but as I said, anything is possible. We'll see what happens until the end of the season. When I arrived, they said my career was over, but football is like that. We have to continue working with my teammates, and in the end, we'll see.'

About his confidence in his performance, he confirmed: 'No one in the world trusts me more than myself. No one knows my battles and what I've been through except me and my family. I have a lot of faith in myself.'

On the style of play in defense in Flick's way, he said: 'The dynamics are different. With high pressure, we take risks, and I align with these values. Flick introduced the German pressing style, jumping on anyone who approaches the ball. With this style, you often control the match, but the risks are greater.'

On the difference between Xavi and Flick, he explained: 'I'm very grateful to Xavi, he helped me a lot. Hans Flick is different, you can't say he's better or worse, but he has more experience. I think Xavi will be a great coach too.'

About his teammate Gavi, he said: 'Gavi is the spirit of the team, not only on the pitch but off it as well. He's a happy and lively boy. He gives a lot of energy in training, which increases the intensity of performance. He has a big heart, and it's an honor for me to work with him.'

Regarding Raphinha's condition after the injury, he confirmed: 'Rafa is one of the team leaders. He presses until the 90th minute on the opponent's goalkeeper, and I can't do that because I'm older. He's very affected because he knows his importance to the team. Rashford has to be ready to deliver the required level. We are Barcelona and we always have to be prepared.'

In conclusion about the teams he played for, Cancelo said: 'All of us in the locker room dream of such matches. Atletico has the same ambitions as us. The team will give everything to qualify, and we are very motivated.'

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