by Manchester City have undergone several major changes this summer following a disappointing 2024/25 season.
Pep Guardiola aimed to refresh his squad by adding four to five new players — a goal that was met with the arrival of James Trafford as the sixth summer signing. These additions are expected to strengthen the squad, but the changes didn’t stop with the playing staff.
Guardiola also welcomed new coaches Pepijn Lijnders and James French to his backroom team — and one new figure, in particular, has had a major impact.
Kolo Toure impresses Man City squad
Kolo Toure, who traveled with City to the FIFA Club World Cup, has now officially joined Guardiola’s staff. Speaking about the addition, John Stones described Toure as “incredible” and credited him with bringing renewed energy to the team.
“You can’t drastically change the identity we’ve built over the years,” Stones told the Manchester Evening News. “But small tweaks, fresh faces like Pep Lijnders and Kolo — who’s been incredible — have added a new energy and perspective.”
He added: “It’s all positive. Their enthusiasm matches ours, and with the new season just around the corner, the timing is perfect.”
Stones is expected to stay at City for the 2025/26 campaign and will hope to benefit from Toure’s input as he looks to rediscover top form.
Toure’s role in solving key tactical problems
City’s FIFA Club World Cup exit exposed issues that plagued the team last season, especially when Rodri was unavailable. Opponents often exploited their transitions, a problem also highlighted by Bernardo Silva after their early exit.
Toure’s arrival could help fix this. With his Premier League experience and defensive know-how, he may play a crucial role in organizing the backline.
As City push high with players like Rayan Ait-Nouri at left-back, spaces can open up defensively. Toure’s expertise could prove vital in finding the right balance to protect those areas and tighten City’s defensive shape.
