Manchester City have confirmed the addition to Pep Guardiola’s coaching team, announcing the permanent appointment of Kolo Touré as first-team assistant coach.
The 44-year-old former defender, who previously starred for both Arsenal and City during a decorated playing career, had been part of Guardiola’s staff temporarily during the Club’s triumphant FIFA Club World Cup campaign this summer.
Kolo Touré Trains With The Man City Squad | Image From Club Website, July 15, 2025
Now, his role has been made official and full-time, a club statement on Tuesday noted.
Touré’s appointment follows a standout stint as Assistant Lead Coach with City’s Under-18s, where he helped guide the young Blues to the Premier League Under-18 North title and the FA Youth Cup final last season, working alongside Lead Coach Oliver Reiss.
Although the U18s fell just short in both national finals—losing narrowly to Aston Villa on both occasions—Touré’s influence was evident and widely praised within the Club.
Viana Reacts
City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana, hailed the decision to elevate Touré to the senior setup.
“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, ” Viana said.
Touré’s Stints
Beyond City, Touré brings with him a wealth of coaching experience.
He previously worked with the Ivory Coast national team, before stints at Celtic and Leicester City under Brendan Rodgers, and most recently managed Wigan Athletic.
Now back at the Etihad in a senior role, Touré returns to the club where he won the Premier League as a player, this time aiming to help guide City to further success from the sidelines, the release concluded.
“We’re delighted to permanently add Kolo to our first team coaching staff.
