Julian Nagelsmann had no doubts in handing Joao Cancelo his Bayern Munich debut on Wednesday, saying the full-back's coaching under Pep Guardiola eliminated any concerns.
Cancelo completed a sensational loan move from Manchester City on Tuesday, and was lining up at right-back for Bayern a day later for the first time in the German Cup against Mainz. Just 17 minutes in, and Cancelo joined the attack from his right wing-back postion, stood up his man, and sent a whipped cross to the far post for Eric-Maxim Chupo-Moting to convert at the back post.
The City loanee would be replaced on 71 minutes after a productive debut - where he made two crosses and 13 final third passes in the game. Reviewing the performance of his new signing, manager Nagelsmann praised Cancelo's creativity - and the role of Guardiola in his all-round play.
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"Joao played very well today. He was very creative, you saw the first pass he made, how he used the outside of the foot," Nagelsmann said.
"There were two very good crosses to Thomas Mueller. He made a lot of runs from deep. I think he tried to sprint 15 times into space. He's done very well.
"I didn't really have any worries about playing him. He's been with one of best managers in the world and he played 160 games under him in the Premier League. He's been very successful, he has a big heart and a lot of passion on the pitch.
"That's why I told him this morning that he was going to play and not to worry. He's done very well."
However, Nagelsmann did joke that he almost stopped Cancelo from swinging in his assist, as he could be heard on camera shouting for the ball to be played back to Benjamin Pavard, who was playing on the right of a back three.
“I didn’t tell him not to cross, but he was under pressure,” Nagelsmann explained.”It’s my job to show him other solutions.
“But if he wants to cross, he’s welcome to do that. I show them the game plan and give them instructions, but they should decide themselves if they are 100 per cent convinced, they all are top players. I’m happy he chose to cross the ball.”
Cancelo took to Instagram after the game, praising Bayern for reaching the quarter-finals of the German Cup, adding: "Happy with my debut."
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