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Kolo Touré and 4 backroom staff depart Manchester City
26th May, 2026 07:57 PM
Ivory Coast legend Kolo Toure and four other members of Manchester City’s backroom coaching staff will depart at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
In a statement on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the club confirmed that those set to move on are Pep Lijnders, Kolo Toure, Lorenzo Buenaventura, Manel Estiarte and Xabier Mancisidor.
Coaching staff departtures
Lijnders joined the club ahead of the recently concluded season to serve as assistant to Pep Guardiola, playing a role in City’s triumphs in both the League Cup and FA Cup.
Former City defender Toure, who previously won the Premier League during his playing days at the club, became part of Guardiola’s senior technical bench before the 2025/26 season after earlier working with the club’s Under-18 side.
Buenaventura, who handled fitness duties, has been a long-serving member of Guardiola’s coaching setup, having collaborated with the Spaniard at FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City. His exit coincides with Guardiola’s departure.
Estiarte, who carried out operational and support responsibilities, also worked alongside Guardiola throughout his spells at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
Meanwhile, goalkeeping chief Mancisidor arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2013 during Manuel Pellegrini’s tenure and continued serving throughout Guardiola’s reign.
Manchester City expressed appreciation to the five staff members for their commitment and contribution to the club, while also wishing them success in the next phase of their careers.
More to come
Meanwhile, Norwegian striker Erling Haaland believes Manchester City still has greater achievements ahead despite already enjoying a highly successful campaign, as the club celebrated its 2026 trophy parade on Sunday, May 25, 2026. City secured both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup titles during the just-concluded season.
The occasion additionally marked an emotional farewell to long-serving manager Pep Guardiola, whose decade-long spell at the club delivered 20 major trophies. Departing stars Bernardo Silva and John Stones were also celebrated for their immense contributions during their successful years at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite the celebratory mood, Haaland insisted the team is capable of reaching even greater heights in the future.
“It’s amazing – the weather’s on our side as well,” said the Premier League Golden Boot winner while enjoying the celebrations with supporters on one of the hottest days of the year. I’m just happy for the Manchester City fans. I got the feeling we could’ve done more this season but there’s more to come. I’m enjoying the parade now but I think there’ll be an even better one in the future.” He said.
