Enzo Maresca will choose his own Manchester City captain rather than put the decision to a team election, while seeking to inject English influence into his leadership group. City usually took votes among the squad to determine captains under predecessor Pep Guardiola, but the Catalan changed that practice in his final year after a disastrous season with Kyle Walker leading the team.
Ruben Dias is the favourite to take the armband after linking back up with the squad last week following a post-World Cup break. Maresca has Dias and Erling Haaland as certainties to retain their positions of authority from last season, but needs a new leader after Bernardo Silva sealed a free transfer to Real Madrid.
In last season's hierarchy, Dias was second in command, midfielder Rodri was third, and Haaland was fourth. Rodri now hopes to push through a move to Barcelona, with City having rejected an opening bid of nearly £40million for him. Maresca would need two additional captains to step up if Rodri departs, with Josko Gvardiol and Phil Foden already publicly putting their hands up for greater responsibility.
Captaincy candidates and pre-season fixtures
Foden and Dias have captained City during their first two pre-season friendlies in Asia. January signing Marc Guehi had also led Crystal Palace before joining City for £20m.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's friendly against Atletico Madrid, Maresca addressed the expectations at his new club. "There is no pressure (on me), just a privilege," Maresca said. "In terms of expectations, this is a club that needs to win titles. We're going to try to do exactly that."
