Maresca Confirms Haaland and Dias in Man City Captaincy Team; Armband Decision Looms

Manchester City's new manager, Enzo Maresca, has confirmed that star striker Erling Haaland and defender Rúben Dias will be part of the club's leadership group for the upcoming season. Maresca revealed this during a press conference ahead of the Community Shield match against Arsenal.

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For now, I have chosen Rúben (Dias) and Erling (Braut Haaland), and I will wait until the end of the transfer window to choose the last two.

These two selections secure two of the four available positions in the captaincy team. Maresca indicated that the final two selections will be made after the conclusion of the current transfer window. Last season, the captaincy group included Bernardo Silva and Rodri, but with Silva's departure to Real Madrid and Rodri's potential exit, Maresca faces the task of filling those roles.

While Haaland retains his place, Dias is positioned to be the primary wearer of the captain's armband. This decision stems from Maresca's tactical approach, where he often calls the captain to the sideline for instructions after a goal is scored. Given Haaland's prolific scoring record, Maresca humorously noted that it could become impractical for the Norwegian striker to constantly leave the field to receive tactical briefings.

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If he scores, he can't celebrate.

Maresca emphasized that the captaincy roles come with increased expectations. "The reason they have received the role is that I expect more from them. It is not because they will get more freedom or any advantages. On the contrary. The leadership group and the captains must show more and give more than the others," he stated. The team's first competitive test under Maresca will be the Community Shield on Sunday.

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Rúben has shown what kind of player and leader he is during his time at this club. It is important that the captain and leaders know that the reason they have received the role is that I expect more from them. It is not because they will get more freedom or any advantages. On the contrary. The leadership group and the captains must show more and give more than the others.