ENZO MARESCA has told Erling Haaland he scores too many goals to be his new captain at Manchester City.
The Norwegian superstar was one of the first players to contact the former coach after he was confirmed as Pep Guardiola’s successor.
Enzo Maresca revealed why Erling Haaland will not be named Manchester City captain Credit: Penta Press/Shutterstock
Maresca believes Erling Haaland scores too many goals to qualify for his captaincy rule Credit: CameraSport via Getty Images
Haaland – who returns for pre-season training tomorrow – is on the captaincy committee after an incredible four years at the Etihad.
However after banging in 162 goals for the club in that short period he is unlikely to be Bernardo Silva’s replacement.
Sign up for the Football newsletter
Thank you!
Maresca explained: “At Leicester and Chelsea, I had a rule that when we scored, the captain had to come to the bench not to celebrate for instructions.
“But if he scores, then he can celebrate.
SWEET JESUS
Arsenal misfit Jesus lined up for Italian job with Napoli as Lukaku replacement
CRACKER
Win stunning £565k 5-Bedroom Luxury Home & Audi for just £1.79 with our code
“So if Erling is the captain, we have a problem, f**king hell, can you imagine?”
Ruben Dias is expected to get the armband instead and Maresca’s system could be seen during City’s three match Far East tour.
Maresca added: “If you saw the game on Wednesday, when we scored the first goal, Ruben came over to the bench.
“I think even if it is two or three minutes, there is always something to adjust.”
BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK
Maresca, who previously worked under Pep Guardiola, was appointed as Manchester City manager to succeed him. Credit: ADAM VAUGHAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Dias, Haaland and Rodri are currently on City’s leadership team although a big question mark hangs over the Spaniard who is wanted by Barcelona.
Maresca will make the appointments himself and plans to put at least one Englishman on there – with Phil Foden among the hopefuls.
The Italian said: “At the moment, we have three or four captains and we are missing one. In the case of Rodri, see what happens.”
The former Chelsea coach was one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants when they swept to the treble in 2022/23.
Yet only a handful of players are left after a rapid squad transformation by the ex-boss – but those who do remain were pleased to see him back.
He said: “Erling was one of the first to send a message when I joined the club.
“Now there is Phil, Ruben, Erling, Rodri and Rico Lewise from the Treble.
“Jack (Grealish) too. And I was still in contact with them.
“The squad has completely changed. It’s been very quick.”
