Is Kolo Toure Joining Pep Guardiola's Coaching Team at Man City?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kolo Toure has been permanently appointed as first team assistant coach at Manchester City.
- Toure previously assisted the Under-18s, achieving notable success.
- His coaching experience includes roles with the Ivory Coast national team and clubs like Celtic and Leicester City.
- Director of Football Hugo Viana highlights Toure's invaluable experience and club connection.
- His role is expected to strengthen the transition for academy players to the first team.
Manchester, July 15 (NationPress) Manchester City has officially announced the full-time appointment of Kolo Toure to Pep Guardiola’s coaching team. Following his role as first team assistant coach during the Club’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign this summer, the 44-year-old will continue in this capacity permanently.
This development comes after the Ivorian, who played a pivotal role in the Premier League triumphs for both Arsenal and City during a distinguished playing career, had an impressive stint as Assistant Lead Coach with City’s Under-18s last season.
Working alongside Lead Coach Oliver Reiss, the former defender from the Ivory Coast played an instrumental role in leading the City youth team to the Premier League Under-18 North title, narrowly losing 1-0 to Aston Villa in the National final.
Toure and Reiss also steered the young Blues to the FA Youth Cup final, where they were narrowly defeated by Villa.
In addition to his experience at City, Toure has a rich coaching background, having previously worked with the Ivory Coast national team and spent time at Glasgow Celtic and Leicester City as part of Brendan Rodgers’ coaching team.
Before joining the City Academy, Kolo had a brief managerial stint at Wigan Athletic.
Regarding Toure’s elevation to first-team assistant coach, Director of Football Hugo Viana expressed, “We are thrilled to permanently welcome Kolo to our first team coaching staff. Not only does he bring invaluable experience from the highest levels of football, but he also shares a profound connection and understanding of Manchester City.
“We have been greatly impressed by his achievements with our Under-18s, and his permanent addition to our senior staff will further facilitate the transition of Academy players to the first team.
“As we witnessed during his collaboration with Pep Guardiola, Pep Lijnders, and James French this summer, his vibrant personality, filled with optimism and positivity, is truly contagious. We eagerly anticipate his contributions moving forward.”