Marc Guéhi says he’s never considered himself a leader but works tirelessly to bring his leadership skills to City’s group of captains.
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The England defender joined the Blues in January and quickly became an established player in City’s backline.
And even with the changing of the guard, which saw Pep Guardiola depart after an incredible decade at the helm and Enzo Maresca appointed the Club’s new Head Coach, Guéhi has continued to be a stalwart at centre-back.
So much so, Maresca has also named Guéhi as part of his leadership group alongside Rúben Dias, Erling Haaland and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
And in an interview with UEFA ahead of City’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday evening, the 26-year-old lifted the lid on what he feels it takes to be a good leader.
“The first thing is leading by example,” began Guéhi.
“If you’re asking your teammates to do something you should be able to do that things. So that is one of the biggest ones. Leadership comes in all different ways, different manors so it’s something that can be very diverse I think.
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“I think it’s very important [to be authentic] because not just in football but in life I think people are good at noticing nonsense.
“People can see right through you, they can tell when someone isn’t necessarily being themselves and I think the best thing in that role is that you are yourself and that you show the qualities that not only have got you to that position but if you are going through a period where you want to improve on that little aspect of leadership as well then people notice that. Authenticity is the most important thing.”
And on whether he’s ever felt being a leader has come natural to him, he added:
“I’ve never thought of myself in that way. I think it’s always been other people have noticed and pick up on in me.
“I’ve always just gone about my business and the way I’ve done things. I’ve always tried to do things the way I like to do them and how I see fit. If that resonates with people or other people pick up on it then even better.
“I think the most important thing is to carry on doing what I have been doing because I’ve been nominated as one of the leaders of the group which means I’ve done something right.
“It’s something I want to grow into more and learn more about which I think is important. But I’d just say I’ve been myself the whole time.”
With City, this is Guéhi’s first taste of Champions League football, Europe’s most elite competition in which the best teams in the world battle it out for one of the most coveted trophies.
For many, it is the pinnacle of club football, a height in which Guéhi admitted he never really dreamt of growing up.
But, with a strong relationship with Maresca and ambitions that aligns with City’s, the sky is the limit for Guéhi.
“I think we’ve got a very open relationship in terms of the fact I can go and talk to him whenever and whatever it may be about,” said the defender when asked what his connection with Maresca is like.
“And he’s very open with me and all the players. You can already tell his ideas but also his personality, how much of a winner he is and how much every single day means to him.
“I think that reflects in the group and how we train and how we approach every single game.”
And on performing in the Champions League, Guéhi continued:
“I think nerves are natural. So I’d say yes I get nervous before a game, but my mindset is as long as I have prepared and done everything I could before the game, whatever happens, happens.
“Of course we all want the outcome to be a win, we all want the outcome to be a good performance.
“But if I know I prepared right during the week, if I’ve taken care of my body, I’ve had the right things, I’ve trained with the right intensity and the right mindset then I’m very comfortable with what happens after.
“It’s a lot of excitement [when playing in the Champions League].
“Fulfilment of a dream? I’ve never really dreamt of playing in the Champions League because I didn’t think I’d get this far to be honest. But I’m very very grateful and I just want my gratitude to grow even more by playing even more games and hopefully achieve something great with this football club.
“The Club’s ambition is to win everything all the time. So that’s fine by me.”
City v Paris Saint-Germain: Don’t miss out on mouthwatering UCL clash
Don’t miss out on our mouthwatering UEFA Champions League home opener against Paris Saint-Germain with tickets still available ahead of Wednesday’s game.
They are on sale to all Season Ticket Members and existing Premium, Matchday and Junior Members who have previously purchased a match ticket at the Etihad Stadium.
It’s up to four tickets per Member – with three additional for Members on the UEFA Cup Scheme.
It should be quite the game as the 2023 winners take on Luis Enrique’s holders, the French team having triumphed in both 2025 and 2026 by seeing off Inter Milan and Arsenal.
It’s an 20:00 (UK) kick-off on Wednesday as we look to follow up on our away victory over FC Porto on Matchnight One with another success under the lights of the Etihad Stadium.
It’s been quite the start for the Blues, with eight wins in eight games including six successes in six top-flight tussles, Sunday’s 3-0 triumph over Liverpool at Anfield the latest success for Enzo Maresca’s men.
You can also enjoy the exciting UCL clash with a hospitality experience.
There’s availability in City Hall, Zadie’s and Legends with prices starting from £195.