Enzo Maresca explains why Erling Haaland will not be Manchester City captain

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has addressed the question of who will succeed Bernardo Silva as club captain. While Erling Haaland is a prominent leader within the squad, Maresca indicated that the Norwegian striker is unlikely to be appointed to the role due to a specific tactical rule.

Maresca explained that during his time at Leicester City and Chelsea, he implemented a rule where the captain must immediately return to the technical area after a goal is scored to receive tactical instructions rather than celebrating. Because Haaland scores so frequently, Maresca noted that this would create a logistical problem, quipping, “If Erling becomes the captain, we have a problem.”

Other candidates for the captaincy include Ruben Dias, who has been acting as captain during the pre-season tour in Asia, and Rodri, though Rodri’s future is uncertain amid links to Barcelona. Phil Foden is also considered a potential candidate for the leadership group.