Kolo Toure pinpoints new-found trait added into Manchester City’s game plan | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff have added a new-found bite and aggression into their game plan this season, assistant coach Kolo Toure has explained.

Manchester City head into their Premier League clash with Crystal Palace carrying momentum following an emphatic home win over Sunderland and a statement Champions League victory away at Real Madrid.

While City’s technical dominance remains central to Guardiola’s philosophy, recent performances have showcased a more resilient edge alongside their trademark control. That added physicality and competitive edge was evident at the Bernabeu, where City were forced to withstand sustained pressure and navigate long spells without complete control of possession.

Rather than retreat, Pep Guardiola’s side leaned into the contest, matching Real Madrid’s intensity and emerging with a crucial result. And that adaptability has been a focal point since last season, as City seek to ensure they can win matches in different ways.

Speaking to reporters during City’s pre-Crystal Palace press conference, Kolo Toure has admitted that the Etihad squad have added the new trait into their game this season that was perhaps needed off the back of a difficult last campaign.

“I’m not saying it [fight] was missing from last season. I said this is the difference, probably, for me… when you look at the games, like the Real Madrid game, you could see this at the moment where the game was… none of the team were having control of the game,” Toure said.

“But we were able to just keep fighting, keep winning the 50/50 balls,” Toure continued. “And I think that’s something that with Man City we haven’t seen a lot, you know, because the team always had big, big control of the ball all the time.

“But this is something you need to do as well, because in the game, there’s moments where the game is really intense. Then you play against a team who have quality as well, you need to be able to fight, you know, but we still have the base of Man City which is a possession game.”

Looking back on the midweek victory at the Bernabeu to secure City a place in the top-four of the Champions League’s league phase table heading into matchday seven in 2026, Kolo Toure said, “I think it’s very important for sure.

“And our players deserved the win, and it gives you some trust and belief that you can go anywhere and win any game. That’s my opinion.”

That belief could prove vital as Manchester City enter a demanding run of fixtures across multiple competitions. The ability to blend technical dominance with resilience may allow Pep Guardiola’s side to navigate challenging away fixtures with greater confidence.

With the Premier League title race tightening and European ambitions intact, City’s evolution into a more combative unit could be decisive in key moments later in the season. The upcoming trip to Selhurst Park will offer another opportunity to demonstrate that balance.

If City can consistently marry their possession-based foundations with the aggression Kolo Toure describes, Pep Guardiola’s side may yet find themselves better equipped than ever to overcome adversity.