Man City have a new captain but the real question is what comes next

A day after confirming Manchester City's new captain and a four-man leadership group for this season, Pep Guardiola picked none of them for the Club World Cup clash with Wydad AC.

Club captain Bernardo Silva and deputies Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland were all on the bench in Philadelphia, meaning goalkeeper Ederson took the armband. Bernardo will get his moment against Al Ain on Sunday night in Atlanta.

The 30-year-old's appointment as captain was surprising when it was confirmed in America this week. Guardiola ripped up his own rules about letting the players decide on their leader. He promoted Silva to the role himself and then added Haaland to that leadership group, with an eye on a long-term plan.

It's a fascinating appointment, given that Bernardo was perhaps the most outspoken critic inside the squad of City's standards slipping last season. It also comes at a time when his own future was in doubt. While he has committed to the club for 2025/26, those reading between the lines this week will have picked up a hint that he will leave when his contract expires next summer.

"I know what I'm going to do but it's not the time to talk about that," Silva said. "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 for sure will be at City, I’m going to stay."

In many ways, this continues a trend for City. Since Vincent Kompany's eight-year stint as captain came to an end in 2019, there have been a series of relatively short-term appointments. David Silva did it for one season, and then Fernandinho another two before they left the club.

Man City have released a new