Manchester City Appoint Two-time Premier League Winner to Assist Pep Guardiola

Manchester City have officially appointed Kolo Toure as an assistant coach to Pep Guardiola, marking the return of the former City defender to the Etihad in a new capacity.

Toure, 44, joins Guardiola’s backroom staff after impressing during a trial period at the Club World Cup and following a successful stint with the club’s U18 team.

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Toure, who played for Manchester City from 2009 to 2013, brings a wealth of experience both as a player and as a budding coach.

With 353 Premier League appearances to his name, he is one of the most seasoned defenders in modern English football, having won the Premier League title twice, first as part of Arsenal’s historic “Invincibles” squad in 2004, and again with Manchester City in 2012.

“We are delighted to appoint Kolo permanently to our first team coaching staff,” said Manchester City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana.

“He brings not only vast experience as an elite footballer but also a deep connection with Manchester City and a detailed understanding of the club.”

The club praised Toure’s work with City’s U18 side under Oliver Reiss last season, emphasizing how his presence will help strengthen the club’s internal pathway from the academy to the senior team.

Toure’s coaching career began in 2017, with roles supporting his brother Yaya Toure and Brendan Rodgers at Celtic and Leicester City.

His only senior managerial experience came at Wigan Athletic between November 2022 and January 2023.

Despite a challenging spell there, his development work with youth and international players has earned him growing respect in coaching circles.

City’s appointment reflects Guardiola’s continued emphasis on creating a diverse, knowledgeable, and development-focused technical bench.

Toure will work alongside fellow assistant coach Pep Lijnders, while Richard Wright and Xabier Mancisidor remain in charge of goalkeeping, and James French continues his role in individual player development.

Toure’s return is both symbolic and strategic, reuniting the Ivorian legend with a club where he left his mark as a player, and now has the opportunity to help shape its future from the touchline.