Since the 2025-26 season ended, Manchester City has seen a host of leadership and experience depart the club, leaving a void in terms of leadership and experience in the City squad.
A new manager, Enzo Maresca, has taken over following Pep Guardiola's departure, but the question remains: who will step up to fill the leadership gap? With key players like Bernardo Silva, Nathan Ake, and John Stones gone, Manchester City needs a new crop of leaders to emerge.
The club's leadership group, named by Pep Guardiola last season, consisted of Bernardo Silva as captain, along with Ruben Dias, Rodri, and Erling Haaland. However, Bernardo Silva is now a Real Madrid player, leaving doubts about the future of Rodri, and making Haaland and Dias the standout candidates to become the next captain.
Outside of Haaland, Dias, and Rodri, Manchester City needs other players to step up and become leaders. Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marc Guehi are two prime candidates to fill the void left behind by the loss of experienced players. Both have been leaders throughout their careers and could make a step up in this regard for Enzo Maresca's side.
Josko Gvardiol and Phil Foden are also potential leaders in Manchester City's new era. Foden is a seasoned professional who knows the high standards demanded at City, while Gvardiol has signed a long-term contract extension and is poised to become a leader for his team.
Manchester City's preseason tour of Asia could be the perfect opportunity for other candidates to emerge and step up as leaders. With a new manager and a new era, the club needs to establish its identity and standards, and a new crop of leaders will be crucial in carrying on the legacy of Pep Guardiola and the departed players.
The standards expected at the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders have been established by the likes of Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, and Nathan Ake, and it's up to the new generation of players to live up to those expectations. The sooner Manchester City's next crop of leaders reveal themselves, the better it will be for Enzo Maresca's side, as they prepare for the 2026-27 season and beyond.
Source: Yahoo Sports