MX23RW : Friday, April 26 08:09:28| >> :120:4254:4254:

Joao Cancelo determined to make history in Champions League

Joao Cancelo determined to make history in Champions League
© Reuters
Manchester City won the Premier League by 12 points, collected the Carabao Cup and reached the FA Cup semi-finals.

Joao Cancelo admits the adrenaline is pumping as Manchester City prepare for their first Champions League final.

Premier League champions City are hoping to cap a memorable season with victory over Chelsea in Europe's showpiece club match in Porto on Saturday.

Full-back Cancelo said: "In the Premier League you play for three points. If you lose one game, you can win the next three or four and get a winning streak.

Cancelo feels he has played a key part in City's transformation
Cancelo feels he has played a key part in City's transformation (Julien Poupert/PA Wire)

"In the Champions League, you win or you are out. Mentally, it's difficult to handle.

"The Champions League is another adrenaline. I feel different adrenaline in every training session this week – but I guess it is normal for the size of the game on Saturday.

"My team-mates and I want to make history in this club. We've worked hard every day during a whole season to get to this moment, so it's the realisation of a dream, being in this final."

City made an uncertain start to the current campaign as they won just three of their opening eight Premier League games.

They turned that around in impressive fashion to launch a strong challenge on four fronts.

As well as their superb European run, they won the Premier League by 12 points, collected the Carabao Cup and reached the FA Cup semi-finals.

After a frustrating first season at the club last term, the versatile Cancelo had a big hand in that. Not only has the Portuguese impressed as a traditional full-back on the right or left, in defence and attack, but also stepped inside to operate as an additional midfield playmaker.

The 26-year-old said: "I wasn't used to playing inside but today I feel I'm a more versatile player, I can do more things on the pitch.

"I feel in that position I contributed to the success of the team. At the beginning of the year, we didn't get the results we expected, so I think my change of position helped to shake up the team.

"We can wrap up an incredible season if we win the Champions League. It can be an unforgettable season.

Ruben Dias has also been hugely influential for City
Ruben Dias has also been hugely influential for City (Rui Vieira/PA)

"Everyone of us dreams about playing a Champions League final. It's a dream come true for every football player. To me, it's a dream of childhood."

Fellow Portugal international Ruben Dias has also enjoyed a highly impressive campaign, his first at the club following a club record £63.4million move from Benfica last summer.

The condensed schedule may have made for a draining season but, with a Champions League final to come, Dias insists he is not feeling it.

The 24-year-old said: "I think we couldn't be more fresh. Obviously, we're all very happy for what's happened (this season) but we all know how special the Champions League is.

"We're fresh because we want it so much. Almost everybody has dreamed of winning the Champions League. I think it's the biggest competition."

ID:449157: cacheID:449157:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:7419:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin during the draw in October 2020
Read Next:
Chelsea, Manchester City fans condemn UEFA "greed"
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal34245582265677
2Manchester CityMan City33237380324876
3Liverpool34228475344174
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd33165125150153
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle331551369541550
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham34139125463-948
9Chelsea32138116157447
10Bournemouth34129134960-1145
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton331111115254-244
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves34127154654-843
13Fulham34126165054-442
14Crystal Palace34109154456-1239
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton34118153648-1233
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3467214775-2825
19Burnley3458213769-3223
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3437243392-5916


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!