Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca knows what he wants from his dressing room leaders this season
HONG KONG, CHINA - AUGUST 1: Head coach Enzo Maresca of Manchester City gestures during the Manchester City v Inter Milan - Pre-Season Friendly at Kai Tak Stadium on August 1, 2026 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
HONG KONG, CHINA - AUGUST 1: Head coach Enzo Maresca of Manchester City gestures during the Manchester City v Inter Milan - Pre-Season Friendly at Kai Tak Stadium on August 1, 2026 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca will not allow his Manchester City players to vote for their next captain as he takes control of the leadership group. And the new boss also wants an English player as one of his captains for a new chapter in the club's history.
Ruben Dias is expected to take the armband following Bernardo Silva's departure for Real Madrid. The Portugal defender was a strong contender last summer before Pep Guardiola stopped the dressing room vote and he has chosen to stay at City despite interest from other clubs in recent months.
With Erling Haaland and Rodri the only other members of the leadership group last season, and with Barcelona moving quickly to seal a deal for Rodri, there are also vacancies for other captains to step up. Josko Gvardiol is one of the players who will happily step up if asked, although Maresca would like for at least one of those spots to go to an English player.
Phil Foden has said publicly this week that he has to try and take on such a role given he is now the longest-serving member of the first team squad. The 26-year-old has had a difficult two years since being named the best Premier League player but is hoping a fresh start at the club can return him to his best.
Marc Guehi was captain at Crystal Palace and stepped up into the City side seamlessly when he joined the club in the winter transfer window, although he is yet to return from his holidays after the World Cup. Nico O'Reilly and Elliot Anderson are also back next week.