Pep Guardiola is considering a more hands-on role in selecting Manchester City’s next captain having previously left the decision to a players’ vote.
Since the retirement of Vincent Kompany in 2019, City’s club skippers David Silva, Fernandinho, Ilkay Gundogan and Kyle Walker have all been chosen by team-mates rather than the manager.
Though City have enjoyed success using this method, it has also created challenges with Kevin De Bruyne repeatedly overlooked while Walker departed abruptly to AC Milan in January.
With Walker unlikely to play for the club again after his loan spell in Italy and vice-captain De Bruyne leaving City after Sunday’s final game at Fulham, there is a vacancy with Guardiola deliberating whether he should make the pick to avoid any risk of factions in the group.
Gundogan, Rodri and Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva are all considered part of City’s leadership group.
‘I have to reflect on it,’ confirmed Guardiola.
Pep Guardiola may change his approach regarding how Man City’s captain is selected
Kevin De Bruyne, who currently has the captain’s armband, is departing Man City after a decade at the club
Kyle Walker, who previously wore the armband before going out on loan to AC Milan, is unlikely to play for City again
Ilkay Gundogan (L) and Rodri (R) are also potential contenders for the armband at Manchester City
‘I haven’t taken the decision yet. I am thinking about what I am going to do in the future. Right now, we have really good captains.’
Guardiola generally likes to give players responsibilities and will continue to let them decide on penalty-takers though it backfired when Omar Mamoush stepped up instead of Erling Haaland in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace – and missed.
‘I respect the decisions they take on the pitch because they are the ones playing. As a manager, I’ve never scored or saved a penalty,’ added the City boss.
‘I am here every day with ideas and suggestions but penalties absolutely belong to them. I want to encourage them to take responsibility.
‘Who they decides take a free-kick of penalty is fine.’
Though City’s standards have fallen this season, extending their run of Champions League qualification which dates back to 2010 would be notable. A point will be enough at Craven Cottage because of their superior goal difference.
‘I know the season has not been good – but always it can be worse, right?’ remarked Guardiola. ‘If we are having to play in a certain way, then I will do it.
‘A manager is really good if he wins – if he doesn’t then he has problems.’
