Enzo Maresca has revealed that he seriously considered handing Phil Foden a place in Manchester City’s revamped captaincy group, even though the England international has ultimately missed out on the honour this season.
The Italian, who took charge at the Etihad Stadium ahead of the new campaign, has had to rebuild his leadership structure almost from scratch following a summer of departures.
Both Bernardo Silva and Rodri left the club, stripping City of two senior figures who had long been part of the dressing room’s inner circle.
That leaves only Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland as survivors from last season’s group of captains.
To fill the void, Maresca has turned to two of his more recent recruits. Marc Guehi, who arrived after leading Crystal Palace’s backline for several seasons, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who captains the Italy national team, have both been added to the captaincy group.
Why Guehi and Donnarumma were chosen
Explaining his reasoning, Maresca pointed to the experience both defenders already carry from representing club and country at the highest level.
“First of all, because Marc was already captain with Palace,” explained the City boss, according to Hayters
“So he has the experience. Gigio is the captain of the Italy national team, so he has the experience.
“The reason why I decided for them is because I can see them helping the teammates and the dressing room to behave in the right way.”
It means City’s captaincy group for the season ahead is made up of four names: Dias, Haaland, Guehi and Donnarumma, blending the club’s established leaders with the fresh authority of two players who have already worn the armband elsewhere.
Foden still ‘one of the captains’ in Maresca’s eyes
Foden’s omission from the official group might raise eyebrows given his status as a boyhood City fan who has come through the club’s academy to become one of its most important players.
But Maresca was quick to stress that the 25-year-old’s standing within the squad has not been diminished.
“These are the four that are going to be the captains. But I was also thinking about Phil, because Phil is one of the guys from the house,” Maresca said.
“He’s not in that group, but for me he’s also one of the captains, one of the players that belong to that group.”
Maresca views leadership as something broader than a formal armband, with Foden’s homegrown status and standing among his teammates still marking him out as an influential figure in the dressing room, even without the title.
It is a notable statement of faith in a player who has had to adapt to shifting roles under different managers in recent seasons. Foden could yet be called upon to deputise as captain on the pitch when required, even if he is not part of the season’s core leadership quartet.
City’s leadership group is emblematic of the wider transition under way at the Etihad.
With two of the dressing room’s most respected voices gone, the head coach has opted for a mix of continuity and fresh energy, leaning on Dias and Haaland’s established presence while trusting Guehi and Donnarumma to bring habits instilled at Palace and with the Azzurri.
