- Home >
- Soccer >
- LaLiga >
- João Cancelo Effectively Demoted to Backup’s Backup Under Flick at Barcelona
João Cancelo Effectively Demoted to Backup’s Backup Under Flick at Barcelona
It wasn’t an injury or a routine rotation. In Girona, a decision was made that spoke louder than any press conference.
A Message That Didn’t Go Unnoticed
If João Cancelo returned to FC Barcelona as a short-term impact signing, the reality is starting to look very different. In the match against Girona, Hansi Flick made a decision that sent a strong message: when Balde needed rest, the Portuguese fullback was not the answer.
Instead, Flick turned to Gerard Martín as the natural replacement, leaving Cancelo further down the pecking order. The image was clear — at this stage, the veteran defender appears to be behind even the first backup option.
Beyond the Public Narrative
Club officials previously explained that defensive reinforcements were necessary due to the injuries suffered by Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araújo, and that Cancelo’s arrival also addressed depth at fullback. But what happens on the field tells a more nuanced story.
Cancelo joined in January after playing just six official matches all season. Match rhythm was far from ideal, and his first spell at Barcelona had already raised questions. Those factors now seem to weigh heavily in Flick’s evaluation.
Even the Starters’ Struggles Haven’t Helped
Not even inconsistent performances from the starting fullbacks have altered Flick’s hierarchy. The German coach continues to prioritize other alternatives, reinforcing the sense that Cancelo never fully convinced him.
At this point, the Portuguese international can only change that perception through performances on the pitch. So far, his appearances have not shifted the technical staff’s assessment or delivered the immediate impact expected.
A Signing Under Scrutiny
The situation also places attention on the sporting direction led by Deco. While additions such as Dani Olmo, Szczesny, and Joan García have shown promising returns, the Cancelo move is beginning to raise doubts.
Represented by Jorge Mendes and long connected to Barcelona’s leadership circle, Cancelo embraced the opportunity with clear enthusiasm. But at the elite level, intent alone is not enough. Under Hansi Flick, João Cancelo currently finds himself as the backup’s backup.
