Manchester City: coach Maresca’s criteria takes Erling Haaland out of the captaincy race
Striker Erling Haaland, one of Manchester City’s biggest stars, is unlikely to take on the team’s captain’s armband next season. The decision, revealed in the club’s pre-season in Asia, came from the new coach, Enzo Maresca, who explained on August 15, 2026 that the Norwegian player’s profile and his strategic role on the field are determining factors against his choice for the leadership position. The captain’s vacancy is open after the departure of Bernardo Silva, who moved to Real Madrid.
How the coach rule impacts the selection of captains
On the same topic: Manchester City coach explains criteria that prevent Haaland from being captain after Bernardo Silva’s departure
Enzo Maresca implemented a peculiar rule, already used by him in previous spells at Leicester and Chelsea: the team captain must return to the bench to receive instructions from the coaching staff immediately after the team scores a goal. This requirement, which aims to maintain tactical discipline and constant communication with the squad’s leadership, presents a specific dilemma for a striker with Haaland’s characteristics.
Why Haaland’s goal frequency becomes a hindrance
Erling Haaland’s game dynamics are marked by his impressive ability to score goals. Since his arrival at Manchester City in 2022, the Norwegian has established himself as the main offensive reference, being responsible for a significant portion of the team’s goals. Precisely this high frequency of goals becomes the biggest impediment to him falling under the Maresca rule. It would be impractical, according to the coach himself, to require Haaland to interrupt his celebrations after each goal to report to the bench, given his importance in completing plays and the impact this would have on the pace of the game and the team’s morale.
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More on this story: Maresca comments on Chelsea’s ultimatum for Enzo Fernández and predicts that City will not make an offer
Bernardo Silva’s departure and the search for new leadership
The discussion about who will occupy the captaincy gains even more relevance with the departure of Bernardo Silva, who ended his career in English football to play for Real Madrid. The Portuguese player was a fundamental player not only on the field, but also as one of the main leadership references in the Manchester City dressing room. His absence creates a void that Maresca needs to fill, especially at a time of transition in the coaching staff and squad.
Rodri is also missing and Barcelona is watching the midfielder
To complicate the definition of the new leadership structure, another influential name, midfielder Rodri, is in the process of recovering from back surgery and is unavailable. The Spaniard’s situation is closely monitored, including amid speculation about Barcelona’s possible interest in signing him. With Silva’s absence and Rodri’s recovery, Maresca faces the challenge of consolidating new leaders as the season approaches, considering that he has three or four players who can perform this role, but the main place is still open.
Manchester City’s preparations for the new season
While defining the new leadership hierarchy, Manchester City continues its preparation for future commitments. The team will face Arsenal in the Community Shield in Cardiff, an important test before the start of the Premier League.
- The team will play at home against Bournemouth on August 23.
Another recent move in the squad was the loan of 21-year-old English striker Divin Mubama to Southampton. Mubama, who spent last season at Stoke City where he scored five goals in 28 appearances, performed well and scored goals during pre-season in Asia, showing his potential before being temporarily released.
