According to the Manchester Evening News, Maresca will personally take charge of the team's leadership group and will not allow players to vote for the next captain. At the same time, the new coach hopes to appoint an English player to the captaincy group as the club embarks on a new journey.

Rúben Dias is expected to take over the captain's armband, following Bernardo Silva's transfer to Real Madrid. The Portuguese defender was already a strong candidate for captain last season when Guardiola halted the dressing room vote; although other clubs expressed interest in him in recent months, he ultimately chose to stay.

Last season, the team's leadership group consisted only of Haaland, Rodri, and Rúben Dias. With Barcelona now accelerating Rodri's transfer, there is a vacancy in the captaincy group to be filled. Gvardiol has stated that he would be willing to take on more responsibility if called upon, but Maresca hopes to reserve at least one spot for an English player.

This week, Foden publicly stated that as the longest-serving player in the current first team, he must strive to take on such responsibility. After being named Premier League Player of the Season, the 26-year-old has experienced fluctuating form over the past two years, and he now hopes that the team's new beginning will help him return to his peak.

Guehi, who previously captained Crystal Palace, seamlessly integrated into Manchester City after joining in the winter transfer window, though he has not yet returned from his post-World Cup vacation. Nico O'Reilly and Elliot Anderson will return to the squad next week.

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