Former Manchester City defender Kolo Touré is being considered for a position within Pep Guardiola’s senior coaching team following several recent departures from the backroom staff.
Touré, who took charge of Manchester City’s Under-18 squad in July 2024, is now being closely monitored by the club’s hierarchy as a potential addition to Guardiola’s inner circle.
The move comes as Manchester City look to restructure parts of their technical team after losing three senior assistants. Touré, 44, is reportedly one of the main candidates being evaluated, alongside Dutch coach Pep Lijnders.
Sources close to the club, including football insider Fabrizio Romano, suggest that Touré’s promotion is a serious possibility. His work with City’s youth team has been well received internally, particularly his ability to mentor young players and instil a competitive mindset.
Under his guidance, the U18s reached the FA Youth Cup final this season, falling 3-1 to Aston Villa in a hard-fought contest on 5 May.
Touré’s potential appointment would mark a significant milestone in his coaching journey. Since retiring from professional football, the former Ivory Coast international has steadily built a reputation in coaching, with previous roles including stints at Celtic, Leicester City, and Wigan Athletic.
His most notable playing achievements include winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015 and earning 118 international caps, along with a club career that spanned Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool.
A move to Guardiola’s staff would not only reunite him with Manchester City, where he played from 2009 to 2013, but also elevate him into the elite echelon of football coaching.
During his four-year spell as a player at the Etihad, Touré made 102 appearances, scoring three goals and registering one assist. More importantly, he was part of the historic side that ended the club’s 44-year wait for a league title in 2012 and also lifted the FA Cup in 2011.
While no official decision has yet been announced, the prospect of Touré stepping into a first-team coaching role under one of football’s most respected managers would be a substantial development in his post-playing career.
Guardiola, known for nurturing talent both on the pitch and in his coaching staff, may see in Touré a blend of experience, leadership, and understanding of the club’s values.
Touré’s transition from player to coach has been marked by a calm authority and a strong rapport with younger players. His familiarity with Manchester City’s culture and expectations further strengthens his case for promotion.
As the club aims to maintain its domestic dominance and continue its success in Europe, reinforcing the technical staff with trusted and proven figures has become a priority.
Should Touré be appointed, it would not only add a prestigious line to his coaching résumé but also reflect the club’s ongoing commitment to internal development and long-term planning.
As Manchester City prepares for the 2025–26 season, the final shape of Guardiola’s coaching team remains to be seen—but Kolo Touré’s name is now firmly in the conversation.
🚨🔵 EXCLUSIVE: Kolo Touré and Pep Lijnders are two options under consideration at Manchester City to be part of Pep Guardiola’s staff.
Decisions on new staff members soon following departures of Juanma Lillo, Íñigo Domínguez and Carlos Vicens. pic.twitter.com/ONc90TpG4K
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 29, 2025
