Kolo Toure Joins Manchester City First-Team Staff Permanently Under Pep Guardiola
Manchester | July 15, 2025 - In a major development for Manchester City’s coaching setup, the club has officially confirmed the permanent appointment of Kolo Toure as first-team assistant coach under manager Pep Guardiola.
The 44-year-old former defender, who enjoyed a celebrated playing career with both Arsenal and Manchester City, has now cemented his place in the club’s senior coaching ranks after a successful interim role during the FIFA Club World Cup campaign earlier this summer.
From Club Legend to Coaching Core
Kolo Toure's association with City comes full circle. As a player, he was part of the club’s early Premier League success, and now, as a coach, he brings his leadership and rich tactical understanding to Guardiola’s high-performing backroom staff.
After working alongside Oliver Reiss as Assistant Lead Coach for City’s Under-18 side last season, Toure played an instrumental role in their title-winning campaign, leading them to the Premier League Under-18 North title.
Although narrowly defeated by Aston Villa in both the National Final and FA Youth Cup Final, Toure’s impact on the development and competitiveness of City’s youth team was widely applauded.
A Coaching Journey Shaped by Global Experience
Toure’s coaching credentials stretch beyond the Etihad. He began his post-playing career with the Ivory Coast national team, later joining Brendan Rodgers' coaching staff at both Celtic and Leicester City, gaining valuable insights in top-tier football management.
He also had a brief managerial stint at Wigan Athletic, further diversifying his experience before returning to Manchester City’s youth setup.
Praise from Manchester City’s Top Brass
Hugo Viana, Director of Football at Manchester City, expressed strong confidence in Toure’s appointment:
“We’re delighted to permanently add Kolo to our first team coaching staff. Not only does he bring immensely precious experience at football’s elite level, but he also has a deep connection with Manchester City.”
Viana emphasized that Toure’s involvement strengthens the pathway from Academy to first team, a crucial pillar of City’s footballing philosophy.
“His massive personality of optimism and positivity is hugely infectious,” Viana added. “We’re already looking forward to his continued contributions.”
Trusted by Guardiola, Lijnders, and French
During the Club World Cup campaign, Toure worked closely with Guardiola’s trusted aides, Pep Lijnders and James French, impressing both staff and players with his commitment, tactical insight, and motivational energy.
The decision to promote Toure to a permanent position underscores Guardiola’s continued focus on building a dynamic, forward-thinking coaching team that combines experience, innovation, and deep club knowledge.
What This Means for Manchester City
As Manchester City prepares for another intense season domestically and in Europe, Toure’s inclusion is expected to bolster squad morale, improve Academy integration, and provide an experienced sounding board for tactical and strategic planning.
City fans, who fondly remember Toure from his playing days, will be thrilled to see him return to the club in a meaningful capacity.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Kolo Toure’s appointment as first-team assistant coach is more than just a sentimental return; it's a strategic move by Manchester City to bring in a coach with deep club roots, a strong developmental background, and experience at the highest level of football.
His charisma, mentorship, and tactical vision align perfectly with Pep Guardiola’s team-oriented philosophy. Toure's transition from Academy success to the main bench speaks volumes of the club’s commitment to sustained excellence and homegrown leadership.