Pep Guardiola named Kevin De Bruyne’s successor as Man City captain this week.
The legendary coach has left the players to choose their leaders throughout his time at the Etihad Stadium; however, with Kyle Walker jumping ship mid-season to play for AC Milan last time around, the Spaniard took matters into his own hands this summer.
This week, Bernardo Silva was appointed as the new Man City captain, with Guardiola also explaining the reasons for his decision to the press.
“And I think Bernardo has been an incredible figure, nine years here, no injuries, always in bad moments made a step up, an example on the pitch, and when he has to say something to me as a manager, or the players, he says it because it’s the best for the club.”
The Man City boss also added Erling Haaland to the Manchester club’s leadership group, a decision that Danny Murphy does not understand.
Erling Haaland grimaces during Manchester City v Wydad at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Erling Haaland should not be a captain
Haaland has been a huge hit at Man City since moving to the Etihad Stadium in 2022 from Borussia Dortmund, as the striker has gone on to produce 121 goals and 20 assists across 143 appearances in sky blue.
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The Norwegian is the superstar of the current City squad, and knowing this, Guardiola added him to the Premier League giants’ leadership group ahead of the new season, probably hoping the 24-year-old can lead by example in the future.
Speaking on talkSPORT, this is a decision Murphy did not agree with, as the pundit doesn’t think Haaland is captain material.
“No, not yet, I don’t see that at all,” Murphy said when asked if Haaland was captain material. “He plays up front, which is hard enough. He doesn’t seem demonstrative or verbally constructive, let’s say. I don’t think Kane should have been a captain.
“With all the quality and leadership they have got at Man City. Bernardo Silva. Even Rodri, he plays more by example. He is not a rocketer, he doesn’t go after people.
“It is very hard for Haaland because he plays so high up the pitch that even if he had the qualities, it is hard to empower others when you are so far away from them.”
Man City fans had a mixed reaction to Silva being appointed as their new captain, which seems even stranger when it is taken into account that the Portuguese star might not be at the club beyond next summer.
Bernardo Silva in action for Manchester City v Bournemouth
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Who will be Man City’s next captain
Silva is out of contract at Man City in 2026, and there were even talks of him leaving for Benfica this summer, as the Manchester club are unlikely to offer the 30-year-old a new deal.
Therefore, a new captain will have to be selected once again next summer, and the most likely option is Rodri. The Spaniard leads by example on the pitch, is often seen being focal in the dressing room, and most importantly, he has the respect of the squad.
There are uncertainties around his Man City future as Real Madrid have always had an interest; however, the midfielder is not expected to go anywhere next summer.
Haaland is likely to be appointed as the vice captain if things go well this season, and that is the natural next step for the 24-year-old superstar.