Cancelo hits back at critics after Barcelona's defeat in Paris

Joao Cancelo has responded to the criticism that followed Barcelona's defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the third round of the Champions League. The Portuguese full-back shared a message on his Instagram stories in which, without directly naming the game or any individual, he made clear what he thinks about those who judge from the outside.

• The defender posted a defiant text on social media after Barcelona's European setback.
• His message targets people who judge without ever competing at the highest level.
• The player highlighted the pressure on the pitch and the demands of elite football.
• He also made it clear that he will not doubt himself or give up.
• Barcelona suffered their first defeat of the season in Paris after eleven consecutive wins.

Joao Cancelo's Instagram message after the PSG-Barcelona match

The Portuguese international shared a phrase that sums up his mood and his response to those who have questioned him: "From the stands, everyone is an expert. I would like to see them get on the pitch and handle the pressure". Cancelo did not mention the Paris match or the specific people who criticised him, but the message came right after his performance at the Parc des Princes.

From the stands, everyone is an expert. I would like to see them get on the pitch and handle the pressure.

Along with the text, Cancelo added Michael Jackson's song 'They Don't Care About Us'. The gesture reinforces the idea that, despite outside criticism, his focus remains on competing.

The author of the quote Cancelo shared

The original text belongs to Brazilian teacher Marcela Mattos, identified on Instagram as @profesoramarcelaparanotitti. In her profile she describes herself as a teacher of Portuguese language, education and faith, and she shares reflections with motivational and social content. Cancelo credited the quote to its author in the post.

Pressure and demands in elite football according to the Portuguese

In the next image of his stories, the Portuguese defender expanded his thoughts on the difficulty of competing at the highest level. Cancelo focused on what players feel on the pitch and the pressure they have to manage under the gaze of millions of people. His intention was to underline the physical and mental demands of playing for a club like Barcelona.

The person who cannot doubt himself is me.

With that phrase, Cancelo made clear he will not be stopped by criticism. The message points to his trust in his own work and his determination to keep fighting for his place and the team's goals.

His defensive performance and the trust of Flick and the club

The match against PSG reopened the debate about Cancelo's defensive side. His attacking contribution has not been questioned, but defensive mistakes have placed him under scrutiny from fans and analysts. The Champions League defeat was the team's first of the season, ending a run of eleven straight wins.

Despite the criticism, the player retains the confidence of Hansi Flick. The German coach uses him regularly and the club backed his signing last summer. Cancelo signed a three-year contract until June 2029, a clear sign that Barcelona see him as an important part of the project.

Barcelona's first defeat of the season in Europe

The match at the Parc des Princes produced Barcelona's first defeat of the season. Before visiting Paris, the team had won eleven matches in a row, a start that had positioned them as one of the main contenders in every competition. The European setback came in the third round of the Champions League league phase.

The result hurt the Barcelona dressing room and put the spotlight on several players, including Cancelo. His public response, however, shows he is determined to prove his level again and silence critics with performances on the pitch.

Frequently asked questions about Joao Cancelo's reaction