Joao Cancelo has hit back at criticism of his performance in Barcelona’s 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, posting a defiant message on Instagram just days before El Clasico against Real Madrid.
The Portuguese full-back was heavily criticised after struggling defensively against PSG, particularly when Fabian Ruiz scored the home team’s fourth goal.
With Barcelona preparing for another high-pressure match, Cancelo has made it clear that he believes judging players from the stands is easier than competing on the pitch.
Cancelo challenges his critics after costly PSG performance
“From the stands everyone is an expert. I want to see you get into the game and withstand the pressure,” Cancelo wrote in an Instagram story, accompanied by Michael Jackson’s ‘They Don’t Care About Us.’
Courtesy: Instagram
He followed it with another post featuring a photograph of himself pointing towards the sky.
Although Cancelo did not name anyone directly, the timing of the messages suggests a response to the backlash following Barcelona’s Champions League defeat.
His performance at the Parc des Princes had placed him among the main targets of criticism, with supporters questioning his defensive positioning and decision-making.
The Barcelona summer signing struggled to contain Desire Doue, received a yellow card in the first half and found it difficult to provide defensive security after switching flanks.
His most damaging lapse came when he lost track of Ruiz, allowing the midfielder to score into an unguarded goal.
Defensive concerns follow Cancelo into another major test
The criticism has revived questions about Cancelo’s reliability in high-stakes matches.
His attacking instincts and ability to advance down the flank offer Barcelona a useful weapon, but his defensive positioning can leave the team exposed when opponents exploit space behind him.
Facing criticism. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
There is also an uncomfortable precedent. During Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final against PSG in April 2024, Cancelo was criticised for his defensive mistakes as the Catalans exited the competition. His latest performance has brought those concerns back into focus.
Manager Hansi Flick continues to value the Portuguese defender’s attacking contribution, and Barcelona may need him again against Real Madrid, particularly with options in defence limited by injuries.
That leaves the manager balancing Cancelo’s ability to create danger going forward against the risk of leaving space for opponents to exploit.
Amidst all this, Cancelo’s Instagram posts show that he is aware of the criticism surrounding his performance in Paris.
But while his frustration with outside judgement is understandable, the upcoming meeting with Real Madrid gives him a more immediate way to change the conversation.