Pep Guardiola appoints former Arsenal star as permanent member of coaching staff

Manchester City have confirmed that former defender Kolo Toure has joined Pep Guardiola’s first-team coaching staff permanently.

The 44-year-old served as assistant first-team coach during the Club World Cup in the United States, impressing with his contributions.

Director of Football Hugo Viana said: “We’re delighted to permanently add Kolo to our first-team coaching staff. Not only does he bring his immensely precious experience at football’s elite level, but he also has a deep connection with Manchester City and a deep knowledge of the club.

“We’ve also been hugely impressed with his work and success with our Under-18s, and by adding him to our senior staff permanently, this will only strengthen the transition for players in our academy into the first team.

“As we already saw throughout his time with Pep Guardiola, Pep Lijnders, and James French this summer, his massive personality of optimism and positivity is hugely infectious, and we’re already looking forward to his work moving forward.”

Toure won the Premier League with both City and previous club Arsenal, and guided the club’s Under-18s to the Premier League North title.