Kolo Touré remains connected to Manchester City. The Ivorian, who played for the club between 2009 and 2013, will start the new season as assistant coach to manager Pep Guardiola. Earlier, Pepijn Lijnders had already been brought in for the same role.
The appointment of Kolo Touré as a permanent assistant coach at Manchester City does not come entirely as a surprise.
The former Ivorian international, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career with clubs like Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Celtic, was already involved in City’s coaching structure. Working initially as a youth coach, Touré had been quietly making an impact within the club’s academy, helping to shape the defensive skills and mentality of the younger generations.
His opportunity to step into the first-team environment came during the Club World Cup in the United States. With City looking to bolster their backroom staff for the tournament, Touré was temporarily promoted to Pep Guardiola’s senior coaching team. The experience, although brief, proved transformative for both Touré and the club’s coaching setup. City played four matches at the tournament but were unexpectedly knocked out in the Round of 16 by Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, a shock result that captured headlines worldwide.
Despite the early exit, Touré made a strong impression during his stint as assistant coach. His tactical insights, especially regarding defensive organization, and his natural charisma reportedly stood out in training sessions and match preparations. The players appreciated his approachable demeanor and the authority that came from his years at the top level of European football. These qualities, coupled with his visible impact, convinced City’s hierarchy to offer him a permanent position on the coaching staff.
On the club’s official website, Manchester City highlighted the personal attributes that Touré brings to the team: "His huge personality, optimism, and positivity are incredibly contagious, and we are already looking forward to seeing the fruits of his work in the future." Such praise underscores how highly Touré is valued not just for his footballing mind, but also for the energy and unity he fosters within the squad.
His appointment follows the recent hiring of Pepijn Lijnders, formerly Jurgen Klopp’s assistant at Liverpool, who also joined Guardiola’s staff. With both Lijnders and Touré now on board, Guardiola has a refreshed and reinforced coaching team, blending tactical expertise with motivational leadership. This comes at a critical time for Manchester City as they seek to reclaim the Champions League title and continue their dominance in English football.
City’s preparations for the new season are already underway, with the Premier League campaign set to begin on August 16th with an away fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The squad includes Dutch internationals Nathan Aké and Tijjani Reijnders, and expectations are once again high as the club aims to compete on all fronts. The addition of Touré is expected to bring a new dynamic to the coaching setup, particularly in developing defensive strategies and mentoring younger defenders.
Touré’s elevation to the first team also represents City’s broader commitment to promoting talent from within their coaching ranks. Having a former player who understands the ethos of the club adds continuity and a deep sense of belonging to the current setup. It’s a path that aligns with City Football Group’s vision of integrating ex-players into meaningful roles across their global network.
As the season approaches, both fans and analysts will watch closely to see how Touré’s presence influences the team’s performances. His journey from a decorated player to a respected coach at one of the world’s top clubs is not just a personal achievement but a testament to City’s progressive approach in nurturing talent both on and off the pitch.
