Kolo Toure secures permanent role in Guardiola's Manchester City coaching staff
- Kolo Toure was previously coaching the Under-18s before being promoted to assist the senior team during the Club World Cup.
- His appointment comes as part of a wider restructuring of Manchester City’s coaching staff after a disappointing season.
- The club believes Toure's deep connection and experience will enhance the development of youth players into the first team.
In the summer of 2025, Kolo Toure was officially appointed as a permanent member of Pep Guardiola's coaching staff at Manchester City. Previously, Toure had been coaching the club's Under-18s and had earned a promotion to assist the first team during the Club World Cup in the United States. His impressive coaching capabilities, noted by Guardiola, led to his new role in a restructuring of the coaching team after a disappointing season for the club. The reformation included other new additions, aiming to revitalize City’s performance with fresh perspectives and methodologies. Toure is a former player for Manchester City, having enjoyed a successful career, including winning the Premier League title in 2012. His deep connection with the club and a wealth of experience at elite football levels are seen as invaluable assets. The City Board, including Director of Football Hugo Viana, expressed enthusiasm about Toure's promotion and its potential to enhance the transition of youth players into the senior squad. Toure's previous success in guiding the Under-18s to a Premier League North title showcases his capabilities as a mentor and coach. In addition to Toure, Guardiola's reshuffled staff includes Pep Lijnders and set-piece specialist James French, both of whom are expected to bring their own expertise to the Copa progress. This change in coaching staff was prompted by the departures of notable coaches Juanma Lillo, Inigo Dominguez, and Carlos Vicens. With the inflow of new talent into the coaching setup, City hopes to build a robust pathway for youth players while revitalizing the team's strategies and performance on the pitch. The decision to appoint Toure permanently underscores the club's commitment to nurturing talent from within and leveraging the understanding former players have of the system and culture at Manchester City. As the new coaching staff begins to work together, the club anticipates significant improvement in both player development and overall team performance as they approach the new season.