Enzo Maresca will choose Man City captain himself and drops a hint about his preferred leadership style ahead of Atletico Madrid friendly

Enzo Maresca will choose his own Manchester City captain rather than put the decision to a team election and wants to inject some English influence into his leadership group.

City usually took votes among the squad to determine the captains under predecessor Pep Guardiola – but the Catalan changed that practice in his final year after a disastrous season with Kyle Walker leading the team.

Ruben Dias is the favourite to take the armband, linking back up with the squad last week following a post-World Cup break.

Maresca has Dias and Erling Haaland as certainties to retaining their positions of authority from last season but needs a new leader after Bernardo Silva sealed a free transfer to Real Madrid.

Dias was second in command, with Haaland fourth. Rodri was third but hopes to push through a move to Barcelona, with City having rejected an opening bid of nearly £40million for the midfielder.

Maresca would need two additional captains to step up if Rodri does depart, with Josko Gvardiol and Phil Foden already publicly putting their hands up for greater responsibility.

New Man City boss Enzo Maresca says he wants an English leadership group this season

Foden and Dias have captained City during their first two pre-season friendlies in Asia, with January signing Marc Guehi having led Crystal Palace before joining for £20m.

‘There is no pressure (on me), just a privilege,’ Maresca said ahead of Sunday’s friendly against Atletico Madrid.

‘In terms of expectations, this is a club that needs to win titles. We’re going to try to do exactly that.’