Enzo Maresca, the head coach of Manchester City, has confirmed that Erling Haaland and Ruben Dias are the only two senior players currently guaranteed a spot in the club's leadership group. This announcement comes in the wake of significant changes within the team, including the departure of Bernardo Silva to Real Madrid and ongoing speculation about Rodri's potential exit to Barcelona.

Maresca emphasized the importance of leadership within the squad, stating, "It’s important for the captain and the leader to know that the reason they are captain is because I expect more from them. It’s not because I give them more freedom or advantage." He noted that both Haaland and Dias have demonstrated their leadership qualities, which are essential as the team navigates a new era.

While Haaland is widely recognized for his exceptional performance on the field, Maresca humorously pointed out a logistical challenge that could hinder the Norwegian from taking on the captaincy role. The coach has a practice of calling the captain to the touchline for tactical discussions immediately after a goal is scored, which could complicate matters if Haaland were to be the captain. "If Erling is the captain, f***ing hell! We have a problem, can you imagine?" Maresca quipped.

As Manchester City prepares for the upcoming season, the leadership group will need to expand beyond Haaland and Dias. Maresca mentioned that he will wait until the end of the transfer window to finalize the group, with several internal candidates like Marc Guehi, Josko Gvardiol, and Phil Foden being considered for additional leadership roles. Foden, now the club's longest-serving first-team player, has expressed a desire to take on more responsibility.

Meanwhile, Rodri's absence from the leadership group has raised eyebrows, particularly as he is a crucial figure in the team's past leadership structure. Reports indicate that the World Cup-winning midfielder is keen on a move to Barcelona, and City has reportedly rejected a €60 million offer from the Catalan club. Maresca remains firm about expecting Rodri back at training, but the situation continues to develop as negotiations unfold.