Manchester City have confirmed that Kolo Touré will officially join Pep Guardiola’s first-team coaching staff ahead of next season. The 44-year-old Ivorian has impressed during his previous stint with the team and now earns a permanent role in Guardiola’s revamped backroom team. Touré’s appointment follows his successful short-term involvement during the Club World Cup, where he worked with Guardiola and his staff. His performance during that tournament was highly praised and laid the foundation for this long-term opportunity.
We're delighted to confirm the permanent appointment of Kolo Toure to Pep Guardiola’s backroom staff 🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 15, 2025
Rising through the ranks: From U18s to First Team
Touré served as senior assistant coach of Manchester City's U18 team last season, working alongside head coach Oliver Reiss. He helped guide the youth side to the U18 Premier League North title, though they narrowly missed out on the national title in a 1-0 loss to Aston Villa in the final.
🚨🔵 Pep Lijnders will start working for Manchester City from June as he’s gonna be available for FIFA Club World Cup.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 30, 2025
Pep Guardiola, waiting for him. pic.twitter.com/SIRAq0CG6f
Touré will join a newly reshaped coaching staff under Pep Guardiola, which also includes: former assistants to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, Pep Ljinders, and James French(set-piece specialist). The trio is expected to bring fresh energy and tactical insight to Pep's touchline. Toure also boasts extensive coaching experience away from City, having initially worked with the Ivory Coast national set-up before then spending time at both Glasgow Celtic and Leicester City as part of Brendan Rodgers’ coaching team. Before joining the City Academy coaching set-up, Kolo also undertook a brief spell in charge at Wigan Athletic.
Kolo Touré 's optimism is contagious
Director of Football Hugo Viana spoke glowingly about Tour's appointment. He said, "We are delighted to permanently add Kolo to our first-team coaching staff."
"He not only brings valuable experience at the highest level of football, but also has a connection with Man City and a solid understanding of the club."
"As we saw during his time with Pep Ljinders and French, his enormous personality, full of optimism and positivity, is tremendously contagious."
Touré rejoins the club where he won the Premier League
Kolo Touré, a former Premier League champion with both Arsenal and Manchester City, returns to the club where he once shone as a player. Now, he takes on a new challenge, helping guide the Citizens to reclaim the title from Liverpool.
