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Manchester City Announces Five Captains for 2023-24 Season

England right-back Kyle Walker has revealed that he is one of the five captains chosen by Manchester City for the 2023-24 season. Joining him in this leadership role are Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Ruben Dias, and Kevin De Bruyne. Walker made this announcement during a media interaction ahead of City’s Champions League group stage opener. Although he did not disclose the player who received the most votes in the dressing room ballot, he confirmed that De Bruyne, Rodri, and Dias would also continue their roles in the team’s leadership group. Meanwhile, Silva becomes the newest addition to the esteemed group of captains.

Continuity and Responsibility in City’s Leadership Group

Kyle Walker, aged 33, has previously captained Pep Guardiola’s side on occasion and has been wearing the armband for City in every game since De Bruyne’s injury. It is highly likely that he will continue to retain the role of captain as the Treble winners face Red Star Belgrade in their Champions League title defense. Walker expressed his honor and privilege in leading a “special group of players” and emphasized his commitment to leading by example both on and off the field to ensure the team’s success.

Captaincy Selection Process

The selection of Manchester City’s captains is based on a squad vote that takes place every September after the closure of the transfer window. Senior players are nominated, and the voting involves both players and backroom staff. In 2021, when Ruben Dias was first chosen as one of the captains, Guardiola stated, “11 months and one week we are all here together, and they know who are the best to represent the team.” The selection process ensures that the captains are respected and recognized leaders within the team.

The Role of Five Captains

Kyle Walker and his fellow captains, chosen as successors to Ilkay Gundogan, will lead the Manchester City team for the 2023-24 season. Apart from their on-field leadership, they are also responsible for ensuring all checks and fines are paid. This allocation of captaincy roles helps maintain order and accountability within the squad. The five captains, through their collective experience and qualities, provide guidance and support to the team, contributing to the overall success of Manchester City.

The Significance of Five Captains

Manchester City’s tradition of selecting five captains is a practice that has been carried over from Pep Guardiola’s time at Barcelona. While the exact reason for the practice may not be known, it is common for teams to establish a pecking order in case the main on-field captain is unavailable. In a squad like Manchester City’s, where rotation is frequent, the presence of five captains ensures consistency and provides teammates with clear points of contact for different concerns. The captains act as strong pillars of support and contribute to the team’s unity and success.

Longstanding Players and Departures

Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva have both been integral parts of Manchester City for the past six years. At present, Kevin De Bruyne is the longest-serving player in the squad. Ilkay Gundogan, last season’s captain, left the club after leading City to a historic Treble. He joined Barcelona as a free transfer. Other notable players who have worn the armband and been part of the leadership group at City include Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling, and David Silva. However, Vincent Kompany stands out as the most synonymous figure associated with the Manchester City captaincy during the club’s trophy-laden years.

Looking Ahead and Strong Leadership

Manchester City fans can look forward to Kyle Walker leading the team as they face Red Star Belgrade in their Champions League clash. With De Bruyne still recovering from injury, it is highly likely that Walker will continue to serve as captain for the upcoming matches against Nottingham Forest, Wolves, and Arsenal in the Premier League. Walker’s recent contract extension until 2026 ensures his continued commitment to the club, while Silva’s decision to sign a new contract adds further stability to the team. With these five captains at the helm, Manchester City aims to collect more trophies and achieve success in the seasons ahead.