Toure: To work with Pep Guardiola is a dream | OneFootball

Kolo Toure says it’s a dream to work with Pep Guardiola who he insists is the best manager in world football.

Toure stepped up from his role as assistant coach of the City Under-18s to become part of the first team setup this summer at the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA alongside new arrival Pepijn Lijnders.

On arrival back to the UK, his appointment was made permanent and the former City defender says he feels grateful and lucky every morning to be supporting the boss, someone he’s always had his eye on working alongside since moving into coaching as well as Lijnders who arrived here with a big reputation and an impressive CV.

“For me, every morning I think I’m grateful and very  lucky to work with these two fantastic people. They are fantastic coaches but great people too.

“To work for Pep Guardiola is a dream. In my career, I hadn’t worked under him and I was thinking of how to find a way to work with him.

“The opportunity came after the Academy to work in the first team and it’s a blessing for me. Every day for me is fantastic.

“He loves his players and his staff his passion is high, he is intense and we love him.

“With Pepijn Lijnders we know his energy and knowledge of the game as well. I’m very lucky to work with those two people.”

Toure also lifted the lid on the industry and intensity of the manager, who has led us to 18 trophies in close to 10 years and given rise to Centurions, Fourmidables, Treble Winners, Champions of the World and History Makers during an era of unprecedented success.

“The manager’s energy every day is incredible. I’m so surprised with all the years he’s done and the energy he still has is incredible.

“His passion in meetings and training, he’s enjoying every day and we’re enjoying too.

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“I work closely with Pepijn Lijnders on leading the sessions and bringing my energy I always had.

“For me, working with Pep Guardiola is incredible. He allows me to be who I am.

“I wasn’t expecting that. The first thing he told me was to be me. This is incredible.

“When you work for certain managers they will tell you what they want but he wants you to express yourself. Every individual has special skills, he doesn’t keep you in one frame. He allows you to express yourself for the team. That’s top.”