Manchester City part ways with Ivorian coach Kolo Touré after Guardiola exit

Former Ivory Coast defender Kolo Touré will leave Manchester City following the departure of legendary manager Pep Guardiola from the club, bringing an end to his coaching spell at the Etihad Stadium.

The Premier League giants confirmed that the Ivorian tactician will not continue as part of the club’s coaching setup after deciding not to renew his contract. Touré’s exit forms part of a wider backroom reshuffle following Guardiola’s departure, with several members of the long-serving technical staff also heading out.

In an official statement, Manchester City announced that assistants Pepijn Lijnders, Kolo Touré, Lorenzo Buenaventura, Manel Estiarte and Xabi Mancisidor will all leave the club ahead of the new season.

Touré’s departure marks the end of another chapter in his long association with Manchester City. The former Arsenal and Ivory Coast defender enjoyed a successful playing career at the club, helping City win the Premier League title during his time as a player before transitioning into coaching after retirement.

The 45-year-old had initially worked within City’s academy structure, where he served as assistant coach for the Under-18 side. His influence and development within the academy setup earned him promotion to the senior team coaching staff ahead of last season, where he worked closely with Guardiola and the first team.

Widely respected for his leadership qualities, passion and experience, Touré was considered an important figure in the dressing room, particularly for younger players making the transition into the senior squad. His presence also added significant experience to Guardiola’s technical bench due to his years competing at the highest level in England and internationally with Ivory Coast.

Touré’s coaching journey has seen him gain experience across different levels of football. Before returning to Manchester City, he previously worked with the Ivory Coast national team and also had a coaching spell at Scottish giants Celtic FC, where he served under Brendan Rodgers.

His next destination remains unknown, but the former defender is expected to attract interest from clubs seeking an experienced coach with elite-level exposure. Having worked under Guardiola and within one of Europe’s most successful football structures, Touré is regarded as one of the African coaches steadily building a reputation in top-level management circles.

Manchester City now enter a new era following Guardiola’s departure, with major changes expected both on and off the pitch as the club prepares for life after one of the most successful managerial reigns in football history.