Pep Guardiola breaks unwritten Man City rule to make Erling Haaland decision
Kevin De Bruyne's move to Napoli and Kyle Walker's impending exit have forced Pep Guardiola to act to bolster Manchester City's leadership group for next season
Pep Guardiola has broken an unwritten rule to add Erling Haaland to Manchester City's leadership group - with Bernardo Silva set to be made captain even though it could be his final year at the club.
City midfielder Silva, 30, insisted he will definitely stay at the Etihad for the final year of his current deal. But he was reluctant to commit beyond the next 12 months. Silva has turned down major overtures in recent seasons including from Saudi Arabia and other major European clubs to stay at City.
The Portugal star will be promoted to be one of the leadership group - along with Rodri, Haaland, Ruben Dias and Ilkay Gundogan - but is likely to get the armband with Kyle Walker on the way out.
Silva, talking ahead of City's Club World Cup opener with Wydad, said: 'I know what I'm going to do but it's not the time to talk about that. "I'm very focused on my season. I'm very focused on performing well for Man City. When the time is due I will talk about it. I have one year on my contract so obviously I can leave next season.
"This season will for sure be with Man City. I'm going to stay. I've had options in the past and this year, like last year and this year, my option is to stay at Man City.'
Guardiola spoke about the new leaders and also the much-needed 'incredible' experience of Silva but also the youth of striker Haaland. The City boss usually allows players and staff to vote on who becomes captain, but has overruled that process to name his own leadership group.
Guardiola added: "I'm the manager and for the first time in my career I decide the captains,' Guardiola said. 'I didn't like what happened last season and I decide who will represent the team.
"Sometimes I want to be the boss. This season I decided to do it, choose the four captains and after the tournament maybe we choose one or two more.
'He's so young. But he has to learn what it means tombe a captain because he will hopefully be here ro many years and sooner or later he will take that position. When you have Bernardo, Rodri, Ruben and Gundogan he will learn.
'He's incredibly well respected. I have the feeling thinking for the future that he needs to learn what is best for the team. To put the team, your mates, in front of you. You have to ask what is best for the team.
'When you do that you never make a mistake. Bernardo has been incredible for us. Nine years, no injuries. When he had to say something to me he says it because it's best for the club. They will guide the new players.
'There will be problems this season but it's more than fine. Three or four players on the pitch are huge personalities. They say, 'We cannot accept what is going on and make the step up.'
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