Maresca also confirmed that Enzo Fernandez is ready to make his debut against Coventry on Saturday
Bookmark popover
Your support helps us to tell the story
Read moreSupport Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
**Your support makes all the difference.**Read more
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that new signing Enzo Fernandez is not going to be part of his leadership group.
Fernandez, a £125m signing from Chelsea on deadline day, was one of Maresca’s captains during their time together at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca said the Argentina international midfielder is a “winner” and was delighted to reunite with the 25-year-old at the Etihad.
Enzo Fernandez captained Chelsea but he is not part of Maresca’s leadership group at Man City
Enzo Fernandez captained Chelsea but he is not part of Maresca’s leadership group at Man City (Reuters)
But Maresca said Ruben Dias will be City’s captain this season, followed by Erling Haaland, Marc Guehi and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Maresca confirmed that Fernandez is “ready” to make his debut against Coventry and Saturday and said his players were excited by his arrival.
"He's a winner,” Maresca said. “When you belong to a squad, and a winning player arrives, you are always happy.
I can promise you, the players ask me 'is he coming?' Because they want him to be with us.”
"I'm very happy for the effort from the ownership. In the last days Iliman and Enzo arrive, and now the squad is complete. Now it's time to work."
Fernandez departed Chelsea after being left out Xabi Alonso’s squad for matches against Luton and Brighton and the Spaniard said Chelsea have to “move forward”.
"In football many things happen. With Enzo we have had conversations and always with respect,” Alonso said.
“What he has done for the club has been great, but now it's time to move forward. We have players with quality in every position and now we are ready to go."