He doesnt have the qualities — Guardiola slammed for adding 24-year-old to Man City captains

Pep Guardiola named Bernardo Silva as Manchester City’s new captain, taking the unusual step of personally selecting Kevin De Bruyne’s successor rather than leaving it to the players.

The Spaniard also added Erling Haaland to the club’s leadership group, a move that has puzzled former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy. Since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, Haaland has been a sensation, racking up 121 goals and 20 assists in 143 appearances.

However, Murphy, speaking on talkSPORT, questioned Haaland’s suitability for a leadership role.“No, not yet, I don’t see that at all,” Murphy said when asked if Haaland was captain material.

“He plays up front, which is hard enough. He doesn’t seem demonstrative or verbally constructive, let’s say. With all the quality and leadership they have got at Man City. Bernardo Silva. Even Rodri, he plays more by example. He is not a rocketer, he doesn’t go after people.

“It is very hard for Haaland because he plays so high up the pitch that even if he had the qualities, it is hard to empower others when you are so far away from them.”

Silva’s appointment as captain has sparked mixed reactions, especially with his contract set to expire next summer, but Guardiola’s decision is final, and fans will need to embrace it.