Manchester City: Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland confirmed as captains by Enzo Maresca

Manchester City has named its first two captains for the upcoming season. Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland will wear the armband for now in the Manchester dressing room. However, the new manager wants to wait until the transfer window closes before appointing two more members to his leadership group.

This decision comes after the departure of Bernardo Silva, who captained Manchester City last season before joining Real Madrid this summer. The English club must now reorganize its hierarchy and rely on new leaders to guide the squad.

Dias, an already recognized leader

The choice of Ruben Dias is a no-brainer for Maresca. Since arriving at Manchester City in 2020, the Portuguese defender has quickly established himself as one of the team's key figures and boasts solid experience at the highest level.

His leadership extends beyond his defensive role. For Maresca, the Portuguese international is now expected to take on even more responsibility within the squad.

"Ruben has shown at this club just how good he is as a player, in terms of leadership," the manager explained.

Ruben Dias will therefore continue to play a pivotal role, both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

Haaland, the attacking captain

Erling Haaland completes this initial duo. The Norwegian striker, who has become one of Manchester City's main faces since his arrival in 2022, is set to take on an even bigger role within the group.

Maresca has even set a special rule for his star striker: Haaland will be the only captain allowed to celebrate when he scores.

Enzo Maresca wants to make the group of captains a true bridge to the rest of the squad. The Italian manager particularly stresses the added responsibilities that come with being a leader.

"It's important for the captains to understand that the reason they're captains is because I expect more from them. Not because I give them more freedom or more perks."

The coach believes that captains must always set the standard and contribute even more to the collective.

Two captains, then two more to be chosen

However, Dias and Haaland won't be Manchester City's only leaders. Maresca plans to appoint two additional captains after the transfer window closes.

The choice will therefore depend on the final squad composition. For now, the Portuguese and the Norwegian represent the new direction in the Manchester City dressing room.

After Bernardo Silva's departure, Manchester City is now relying on two very different but complementary profiles: Dias' defensive authority and experience, and Haaland's attacking power and personality.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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