Overview
- Enzo Maresca told reporters on Tuesday that his captains must go to the touchline or bench for tactical instructions immediately after a goal, a routine he says makes Erling Haaland an impractical full‑time captain because the striker scores so often.
- Maresca emphasised that Haaland remains part of the club’s leadership group and that their relationship is positive, so the comment was framed as a tactical observation rather than a rebuke.
- No permanent captain has been named and Ruben Dias is widely seen as the frontrunner, while Rodri’s recovery from recent back surgery and reported links to a transfer leave his candidacy uncertain.
- Maresca has already shown the touchline routine in pre‑season, with Dias reportedly approaching the bench after City’s opening goal in a recent friendly to receive immediate instructions.
- Coverage split between straight reporting and sensational headlines that framed Haaland as ‘banned’ from the armband, and the exchange underlines Maresca’s intent to impose precise match‑day procedures as he finalises the squad ahead of the season.