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Enzo Maresca has trimmed down his Manchester City leadership group, but Rodri's absence amid links with Barcelona has caused major surprise at the Etihad Stadium. The Italian head coach confirmed that only two senior players are currently certain of a place in his inner circle as the club gets ready for a new phase without a number of long-serving figures.

Leadership gap at the Etihad

Maresca has said he will wait until the summer transfer window closes before finalising his leadership group, with the first-team squad going through significant changes. After Bernardo Silva's departure to Real Madrid, the Italian manager confirmed that Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland are the only two remaining members of the previous leadership group who are currently in the running for the armband.

"At the moment it is Ruben and Erling [are the only two], and I want to wait until the end of the transfer window and pick two more," Maresca told reporters.

He underlined that being captain comes with major responsibility, saying: "Ruben has shown during his time at this club how he is as a player, in terms of leadership. It’s important for the captain and the leader to know that the reason they are captain is because I expect more from them. It’s not because I give them more freedom or advantage. It’s the opposite, the leadership group and captains have to show more and give more than the others."

The Haaland goal celebration issue

Although Haaland is a natural leader through his performances, Maresca has previously admitted that a funny practical problem could stop the Norwegian from taking the main armband. The manager has a strict rule under which he calls the captain to the touchline for tactical instructions immediately after a goal is scored.

Maresca joked about it, saying: "If Erling is the captain, f***ing hell! We have a problem, can you imagine?" That tactical preference appears to put Dias in pole position to lead the side into the new season.

Barcelona move edging closer for Rodri

Perhaps the clearest takeaway from Maresca's announcement was Rodri's omission. The World Cup-winning captain, who was a central pillar of Pep Guardiola's leadership setup, seems to be moving closer to an exit from Manchester. Reports indicate the midfielder is seeking special dispensation to avoid returning to the City training ground as talks with Barcelona enter a crucial phase.

City have already turned down an improved offer worth around €60m from the Catalan club, but the player's wish to move to Spotify Camp Nou is said to be absolute. Maresca was clear when asked earlier this week about the Spain international's situation, stating that he expected the Spaniard back on August 14.

Internal options for Maresca

With the leadership group still needing at least two more members, Maresca has a number of in-house options to weigh up. Former Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, Josko Gvardiol and Phil Foden have all been mentioned as possible candidates to step up. Foden, now the club's longest-serving first-team player, has already expressed an interest in taking on greater responsibility.