Enzo Maresca answer highlighted a potentially major Man City problem

City ended the campaign with the Carabao Cup and FA Cup added to the trophy cabinet. They also took the Premier League title race to the final week which, in hindsight, was an achievement considering the difficulties suffered the previous year.

Last season was an important learning curve for the new faces. The likes of Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki and Marc Guehi all played roles in the Blues' success and gained that all-important winning feel. But that glory was underpinned by senior leaders. This summer, two of those figures left the club.

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To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.

Bernardo Silva and John Stones helped set the standards at City. Their exits did not come as a surprise, but that does not make their departures any less of a loss. In his first press conference as head coach, Maresca addressed the leadership group.

"We have three players - Ruben [Dias], Rodri, Erling [Haaland]," he said. "We need some more because Bernardo left but we will decide about that." Maresca's admission that further leaders are needed is fair. But the concern for City begins when you look at the three players he named.

Haaland signed a new contract last year that ties him to City until 2034. The striker is not going anywhere anytime soon.

However, the futures of Dias and Rodri aren't so clear. The former has three years remaining on his City deal but Real Madrid have been linked with signing him. While that interest has cooled in recent weeks, it is never ideal to have one of your best players linked with a move away.

Rodri's future is an even greater concern. Maresca sent a statement to Real on Friday, saying: "First of all, we have to say that around big players, there is always speculation. I'm not worried about that. I think it's normal.

"I think every manager wants to have Rodri, because he's a top player. But now, surgery on, I think, Monday. He needs a holiday, he needs to rest, he needs to recover, and then he will be back here with us."

Rodri's contract expires in 2027 and, so far, there has been little to suggest he will extend. With only three members of the leadership group remaining and speculation swirling around the futures of two of those stars, Maresca needs to consider who he will add to the group.

Phil Foden could be one of those in contention. However, this season should be more about rediscovering his form than adding more responsibilities to his shoulders.

Gianluigi Donnarumma and Guehi have taken on leadership roles in the past, and they may be called upon at City despite their short careers at the Etihad so far.

Leaders are very rarely bought. They have to be nurtured at the club and, over time, like Dias, Rodri and Haaland, they become ready to take on extra responsibility.

Maresca will hope he doesn't need to add too many members to his leadership group this summer.