A Changing of the Guard
The summer of 2026 has brought a seismic shift to the Etihad. Pep Guardiola has stepped down as Manchester City’s manager, with Enzo Maresca taking the reins. On top of that, Bernardo Silva, Nathan Ake and John Stones have all departed the club.
That trio’s exit leaves a leadership vacuum that Maresca must fill quickly.
The Captaincy Question
Last season, Guardiola named Bernardo Silva as the club captain, with Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland completing the leadership group. Of those four, Silva is now a Real Madrid player, while doubts surround the future of Rodri. That leaves Haaland and Dias as the standout candidates to take the armband.
Both have the pedigree. Both have the respect of the dressing room. But the captaincy is only part of the puzzle.
New Leaders on the Horizon
Maresca will need more than a captain. He needs a leadership group that can set the tone across the pitch. Gianluigi Donnarumma looks to be a prime candidate to step up, as does Marc Guehi. Two new arrivals, both with international experience, both comfortable organising those around them.
Josko Gvardiol has signed a long-term contract extension, and the natural progression for him is to become a leader for his team. Phil Foden is another with the potential to lead in City’s new era. Foden is now a seasoned professional and knows intimately the high standards demanded at City.
The standards expected at the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders have been established by Guardiola, Silva, Stones, Ake and the club legends that have departed before them. Now it falls to a fresh crop to carry that forward.
Pre-season begins with Inter Milan on 1st August. By then, we should have a clearer idea of who Maresca trusts to lead.