Guardiola settles for Kolo Touré as right hand man at City

Ivorian legend Kolo Touré has earned the full faith of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. The former Arsenal defender has been offered a permanent role as the first assistant coach in the Spaniard’s backroom staff.

The former Premier League champions confirmed on Tuesday the appointment of the former Liverpool player.

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City Director of Football Hugo Viana said: “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.”

Earlier, Guardiola highlighted the impact Touré has brought to the Etihad:

“Last season, it couldn’t happen for one reason, because we had no players. Today we had two incredible central defenders and four on the bench, last year we had one at a time. The best player in the world, all season out,” Guardiola told City media.

“That’s why we struggled a lot, we couldn’t train, since day one with Pep (Lijnders) James (French), Kolo (Toure) we made a step up in training. The training session is unbelievable, how we go.”

The African football legend had a successful career in the Premier League. Back home, he was also a very stable centre-back who led the Elephants to silverware.

Touré started his coaching career with a head coaching job at EFL Championship side Wigan Athletic a few years ago, but he did not impress and was sacked.