Manchester City's new boss Enzo Maresca has revealed his problem with Erling Haaland becoming captain of the team this season. The Italian coach pointed out that his policy ensures that the Norwegian striker cannot be eligible for the role, as he often requires his captain to receive instructions whenever their striker scores a goal.

What happened?

Maresca fielded questions from a journalist in South Korea about his new team, including a question on whether Haaland is a candidate to be their captain. He pointed out that his policy ensures that the Norwegian cannot be eligible for the role, as he often requires his captain to receive instructions whenever their striker scores a goal.

Why it matters for Manchester City

The policy, which Maresca had in place at Leicester and Chelsea, requires the captain to come to the bench and receive instructions whenever the team scores a goal. However, if the captain scores a goal, they can celebrate. Maresca's problem with Haaland becoming captain is that he often requires his captain to receive instructions whenever their striker scores a goal.

What comes next?

Maresca will decide on his new captain before the season commences, with centre-back Ruben Dias among the options to take on the armband. Phil Foden will also be an option, as he is one of the longest-serving players on their books, at present.

Haaland was one of the club's captains under Guardiola, occasionally putting on the armband on the pitch. This season, however, Manchester City will be without former captain Bernardo Silva, while Rodri has been linked with a move away from the club, as well.

Manchester City will take on Arsenal on August 16, and will be at full-strength for the encounter. They have played three friendlies this summer under Maresca, winning twice and drawing once.

The Premier League side granted Haaland an extended break this summer after he played in over 60 games for club and country in the last 12 months. He has spent nearly a month on vacation, but will return to pre-season training in Manchester on Wednesday, August 11.

League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 2nd in Premier League, 78 pts, 23W-9D-6L from 38 games, recent form LDWWD.

Goals this season: 77 scored, 35 conceded (+42 goal difference).

Title race: 7 points behind leaders Arsenal.

Last result: Manchester City 1-2 Aston Villa (2026-05-24).

Recent form (last 5): 1W-2D-2L (LLDDW, most recent first); lost the last 2.

Currently sidelined: Rodri.