Joao Cancelo explains why he has barely featured for Barcelona since January return

Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Levante at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday was notable for more than just the scoreline: it marked the long-awaited re-emergence of Joao Cancelo. The Portugal full-back, on loan from Al Hilal, collected La Liga’s official MVP award after a performance that underlined why the club pushed to bring him back to Catalonia.

Yet the afternoon was only his third start since re-joining in January, a scarcity of minutes that had prompted questions about manager Hansi Flick’s faith in the 29-year-old. Speaking after the match, Cancelo offered a straightforward explanation: he simply arrived short of the physical standard demanded by the squad.

“I wasn’t in my best shape when I joined Barça, I was not at the same physical level as my teammates,” he told MD. “I’m returning to my level now, step by step. Flick is very demanding, the club as well… I love that.”

The Levante display, in which Cancelo bombed forward from left-back while remaining solid defensively, felt like a corner turned. He admitted it was “for sure my best performance since returning,” adding that diligent training had readied him for the chance. “When you train well, things just flow well on the pitch.”

With Alejandro Balde’s recent form patchy, the Portuguese international senses an opening to secure a regular starting role. He struck an optimistic tone when surveying the weeks ahead, insisting the victory over Levante can act as a springboard.

“Football always gives you a second chance,” he said. “After two bad games we played very well against a team with very good players despite where they are in the table. In La Liga it’s hard to win every game.”

If Sunday’s showing is any indication, Cancelo’s second chapter at Barcelona may finally be shifting from promising subplot to central storyline.