Manchester City have officially confirmed the departures of several key backroom staff members following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, signaling the end of a hugely successful era at the club, Softfootball reports.
Through the club’s official X account, City announced that assistant coach Pep Lijnders, coach Kolo Touré, fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura, long-serving advisor Manel Estiarte, and goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor will all leave the club this summer.
Manchester City thanked the staff members for their immense contributions during one of the most dominant periods in the club’s history and wished them success in their future careers.
They revealed:
We can confirm the departures of Pep Lijnders, Kolo Toure, Lorenzo Buenaventura, Manel Estiarte and Xabi Mancisidor following the completion of the 2025/26 season. Everyone at City would like to thank all five members of staff for their hard work and dedication and wish them the very best of luck in the future
Supporters reacted emotionally to the announcement, with many particularly saddened by Kolo Touré’s departure after his role in helping shape the club’s winning culture behind the scenes. Fans also described the exits as symbolic of a major transition period for the club following years of domestic and European dominance.
The staff changes come shortly after reports confirmed that John Stones is expected to leave Manchester City this summer after spending 10 successful years at the club under Pep Guardiola. Stones became one of the defining figures of Guardiola’s era, playing a crucial role in City’s tactical evolution and trophy-winning success.
In other recent development, the club recently appointed former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca as the new Manchester City head coach.
Maresca signed a three-year contract running until June 2029, officially beginning a new chapter at the Etihad Stadium following Guardiola’s decade-long reign.
The latest developments strongly suggest Manchester City are preparing for a significant squad and structural reset ahead of the next era under Maresca’s leadership.
