Enzo Maresca names Man City leaders as Rodri pushes for Barcelona move

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is waiting until the summer transfer window closes to finalize his leadership group. Following significant squad changes, including the departure of Bernardo Silva, the manager is taking a measured approach to appointing his captains.

For now, Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland are the only members of the previous leadership group remaining in contention. Maresca emphasized that the captaincy is a role of increased demand rather than privilege.

«At the moment it is Ruben and Erling, and I want to wait until the end of the transfer window and pick two more». Enzo Maresca

While Haaland is a natural leader, Maresca joked about a logistical hurdle: his requirement for the captain to join him on the touchline for tactical instructions after every goal. This makes Dias the current favorite to lead the team on the pitch.

Notably absent from the leadership discussion is Rodri. The midfielder is pushing for a move to Barcelona, with reports indicating he is seeking dispensation to avoid training as negotiations reach a critical stage. Despite City rejecting a €60m offer, the player’s desire to join the Catalan side remains firm.

Maresca is considering internal options to complete the group, with Phil Foden, Josko Gvardiol, and Marc Guehi mentioned as candidates. Foden, the longest-serving player in the squad, has indicated his interest in stepping up.