Manchester City announce addition of former player to Pep Guardiola’s first-team backroom staff | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has formally welcomed Kolo Toure into his first-team backroom staff ahead of the 2025/26 season, Manchester City have announced.

The club’s preparations for the forthcoming campaign have been bolstered by the return of the familiar face, with the appointment marking another step forward in the club’s ongoing emphasis on creating a clear and effective bridge between Academy and first-team.

Toure’s return to senior coaching comes after a hugely successful season spent working with City’s Under-18 side, operating as Assistant Lead Coach alongside Oliver Reiss. That coaching partnership delivered the Premier League Under-18 North title, while also guiding the team to the FA Youth Cup final and the national championship decider.

Toure’s influence in the Academy drew internal praise throughout the campaign, with his work hailed not only for silverware contention but for individual development of key talents, many of whom are tipped for senior involvement in the near future. His ability to combine elite-level experience with a nurturing coaching style has made him a standout figure among City’s backroom staff.

In addition to his achievements at youth level, Toure also brings a broad range of coaching experience to Pep Guardiola’s staff. He previously held first-team coaching roles at Celtic and Leicester City as part of Brendan Rodgers’ team, while also spending time with the Ivory Coast national side.

Now, after taking on the role of first-team assistant coach during the recent FIFA Club World Cup earlier this summer, Manchester City have now announced that Kolo Toure will remain in the position on a full-time basis ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Issuing comment on Toure’s appointment as first-team assistant coach, Director of Football Hugo Viana said as part of Manchester City’s official statement on the matter: “We’re delighted to permanently add Kolo to our first team coaching staff.

“Not only does he bring his immensely precious experience at football’s elite level, but he also has a deep connection with Manchester City and a deep knowledge of the Club.

“We’ve also been hugely impressed with his work and success with our Under-18s, and by adding him into our senior staff permanently, this will only strengthen the transition for players in our Academy into the first team.

“As we already saw throughout his time with Pep Guardiola, Pep Lijnders and James French this summer, his massive personality of optimism and positivity is hugely infectious and we’re already looking forward to his work moving forward.”

The Ivorian, who helped both Arsenal and Manchester City to Premier League titles during his playing days, is seen as a key link between the club’s heritage and its modern-day structure under Pep Guardiola.

As more Academy talents earn opportunities in the senior setup, Toure’s presence could prove vital in offering continuity and mentorship. Looking ahead, Toure’s permanent appointment could signal a longer-term strategic alignment for City’s coaching development.

With the club placing greater focus on homegrown integration and internal promotion, the 44-year-old may emerge as a central figure in shaping the next era of City’s backroom staff — both during and potentially beyond Pep Guardiola’s tenure.