Frustrated Joao Cancelo was the only Bayern Munich player who didn't celebrate win over Borussia Dortmund
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Joao Cancelo cut a frustrated figure following Bayern's Der Klassiker victory over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, as he reportedly refused to take part in their post-match celebrations.
Cancelo moved to Bayern during the January transfer window, joining the Bundesliga leaders on a loan deal until the end of the season.
While Cancelo's time in Munich got off to a promising start - the Portuguese defender picked up an assist and a clean sheet during his debut with the club - things have taken a turn for the worse since, with the 28-year-old struggling for minutes across recent weeks.
It is understood that the relationship between Cancelo and former Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann was a sour one, with Nagelsmann reportedly unhappy with the defender's attitude in training.
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Nagelsmann's departure paved the way for Thomas Tuchel to return to management, providing a blank slate for the Bayern squad to play their way into the former Chelsea manager's plans.
However, Tuchel selected French defender Benjamin Pavard as his starting left-back for his first match in charge, with Cancelo forced to settle for a late cameo off the substitutes' bench as Bayern secured a 4-2 victory over title rivals Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
The victory was an important one for Bayern, as they leapfrogged their Der Klassiker rivals to move two points clear at the top of the Bundesliga standings.
But whilst the rest of the Bayern squad celebrated their victory with the joyous fans inside the Allianz Arena, a frustrated Cancelo headed straight down the tunnel.
Bayern's sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić talked down the incident, citing that it's "normal" for players to be frustrated when they don't play.
Speaking to Bild, Salihamidžić said:
"These are emotions after the game. It’s not a problem. It’s normal for a player to be disappointed when they don’t play.
“Cancelo is a top player and will get his playing time."
Bayern have the option to sign the Manchester City loanee on a permanent deal in the summer, although reports suggest that they will turn down the option to do so.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Bayern Munich, Bundesliga, Joao Cancelo, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, Julian Nagelsmann, Thomas Tuchel
