Softfootball can disclose that Manchester City has appointed former Arsenal player and Wigan Coach, Kolo Touré to join Pep Guardiola’s coaching squad of the new season after the Ivorian’s temporary affair with the club during the just concluded FIFA Club World Cup.
As reported by the Athletic, Manchester City approached Kolo Toure as one of the replacements for Juanma Lillo, Carlos Vicens and Inigo Dominguez, who left this summer.
Although, City have replaced the departed staff with former Liverpool duo Pep Lijnders and James French but there was the need to fill the defensive vacuum which brought the expertise of Touré, a veteran in that area.
Touré, 43, initially stepped up from the club’s under-18 setup in June to support the senior team during a busy summer that saw three staff members depart. His impact particularly around the defensive group impressed both Guardiola and the wider City hierarchy.
The appointment brings Touré full circle, having made 102 appearances for City between 2009 and 2013 as part of a Premier League career that spanned over a decade and included spells at Arsenal and Liverpool.
City’s sporting director Hugo Viana said, the addition of Touré was needful and critical to the team at this point.
“We’re delighted to permanently add Kolo to our first team coaching staff,
“Not only does he bring immense experience at football’s elite level, but he also has a deep connection with the club and a strong understanding of what Manchester City is all about.”
Touré had previously earned plaudits for his work with the under-18s, with City keen to use his appointment to bridge the gap between the academy and senior side. Viana concluded that Toure’s personality fit into the culture of the team. He said:
“His massive personality full of optimism and positivity — has been infectious.
“We’ve already seen the benefit of that over the summer with Pep Guardiola, Pep Lijnders and James French, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.”
The arrival of Touré is days after former captain of the team, Kyle Walker left City to Burnley, as Softfootball reported earlier. Walker spent last season on loan at AC Milan before signing a two-year deal at Burnley for a reported fee of £5m.
Meanwhile, Touré’s return to the top level after 18 months where he had a brief managerial spell at Wigan Athletic, will see him express his skills and help the Cityzens solve their defensive loopholes.
