Enzo Maresca has explained why Erling Haaland will not be given the Manchester City captain's armband on a regular basis, citing an unusual rule that would clash with the striker's goal celebrations.
Haaland, 26, was among the first players to congratulate Maresca on succeeding Pep Guardiola, but the new head coach has refused to appoint him as permanent skipper following Bernardo Silva's departure. Instead, Ruben Dias is the likely candidate.
Post-goal tactical talks
Maresca's rule requires the captain to come to the bench for instructions after a goal is scored, rather than celebrate. This would be impractical with Haaland, who is expected to score frequently under the new system that emphasizes wide play and crosses.
"At Leicester and Chelsea, I had a rule that when we scored, the captain had to come to the bench for instructions and not celebrate," Maresca revealed in his first interview since taking charge. "But if he scores, then he can celebrate. If Erling is the captain, f****** hell - we have a problem, can you imagine?"
During Wednesday's 3-1 win against K-League All-Stars, Ruben Dias came to the bench after the first goal, demonstrating the rule in action.
Leadership group changes
Guardiola had left captaincy to a player vote for nine seasons, but appointed Silva in his final campaign. Maresca will select a new captain and also wishes to include an English player in the leadership group, with Phil Foden or Marc Guehi potential beneficiaries.
Defender Josko Gvardiol is another ready to step up, telling the MEN: "I am still 24 and with a new manager everyone has to fight for their position, no-one is secure. I think there are going to be a lot of changes and I am looking forward to seeing what will happen at the beginning of the season, how we are going to play."
