Enzo Maresca confirms Enzo Fernandez lacks role in Manchester City leadership group
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 1:36 PM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that new signing Enzo Fernandez will not serve in the club's leadership group this season. The midfielder arrived from Chelsea on a £125m deadline day deal, but Maresca identified Ruben Dias as the team captain, with Erling Haaland, Marc Guehi, and Gianluigi Donnarumma rounding out the leadership structure. Despite his past experience captaining Chelsea under Maresca, Fernandez joins a squad that includes fellow new arrival Iliman. Maresca noted that the existing Manchester City players requested the club sign the Argentina international, citing his reputation as a winner. Fernandez is available for selection and is expected to make his debut for the club against Coventry on Saturday. Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso stated that Chelsea must move forward following the transfer of the midfielder to the Etihad.
- •Enzo Fernandez is excluded from the Manchester City leadership group
- •Ruben Dias is named team captain with three additional leaders appointed
- •Enzo Fernandez is available to make his debut against Coventry on Saturday
- •Maresca confirms the Manchester City squad is now complete after two final arrivals
- 1:36 PMYahoo Sports — Maresca on 'winner' Fernandez, Doku's fitness and a 'complete' squad
- 1:19 PMYahoo Sports — Enzo Maresca clarifies whether Enzo Fernandez is part of Man City’s leadership group
"Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Coventry City at Etihad Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST). On the latest team news, Maresca confirmed Matheus Nunes is back and will be in the squad but Jeremy Doku remains out. On whether deadline day £125m signing Enzo Fernandez will be included, he said: "Enzo is ready."
"Maresca also confirmed that Enzo Fernandez is ready to make his debut against Coventry on Saturday
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 1:36 PMMaresca on 'winner' Fernandez, Doku's fitness and a 'complete' squad
Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Coventry City at Etihad Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST). On the latest team news, Maresca confirmed Matheus Nunes is back and will be in the squad but Jeremy Doku remains out. On whether deadline day £125m signing Enzo Fernandez will be included, he said: "Enzo is ready."
- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 1:19 PMEnzo Maresca clarifies whether Enzo Fernandez is part of Man City’s leadership group
Maresca also confirmed that Enzo Fernandez is ready to make his debut against Coventry on Saturday
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