Pep Guardiola explains why he hired Kolo Touré

Kolo Touré : Photo Credit: Kolo Touré ‘s Facebook.

Pep Guardiola has explained why he hired former Ivorian defender Kolo Touré into his backroom staff ahead of the next Premier League season.

The African legend had a successful career in England playing for Arsenal and Manchester City. Back home, he was also a very stable centre-back who led the Elephants to silverware, playing alongside his more talented brother, Yaya Touré.

It was hardly surprising that the Touré brothers moved into coaching after calling it a time on their playing careers.

However, while Yaya is yet to make a name as a stand-alone head coach Kolo seemed ready to make a break in England. After serving as an assistant coach to Brendan Rodgers, the former Ivorian defender got his chance to stake his claim at SkyBet Championship side Wigan Athletic, but it was not to be and he was sacked.

However, Guardiola showed his faith in the ‘youthful’ coach by bringing him on board to join his coaching staff. Ahead of the FIFA World Cup, the former Barcelona boss has now explained what compelled him to recruit the Ivorian legend alongside other assistants Pep Lijnders and James French.

“After it’s a good opportunity for Pep [Lijnders] and James [French], Kolo Toure was already with the Under-18s and we saw him working with the academy with us and had an incredible reference. They will help us make a good season,” Guardiola told Manchester City media.

“I’m pretty sure Kolo and Pep will help me. It’s a question of back and forth, his knowledge, I dream from his knowledge. And every day since we met, we talk a lot about tactics, football, training and it’s been so inspiring for me. I’m really pleased for that, and we’ll see what happens in the future.”

On the field of play, the Blues have signed players Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli and Rayan Cherki. The former Premier League are in America participating in the FIFAC Club World Cup.