As Manchester City get ready to chase more silverware on the global stage, a familiar face is stepping back into the fold — and fans are already buzzing.

Kolo Touré, one of City’s title-winning heroes from 2012, is heading to the U.S. with the first-team squad for the Club World Cup, this time as a coach.

Touré, now 44, has been working with City’s Under-18 side under Oliver Reiss and has clearly impressed behind the scenes.

His return to first-team duties marks another big step in his coaching career — and couldn’t come at a more crucial time for Pep Guardiola’s backroom shuffle.

Guardiola’s Staff Overhaul After Big Departures

At the end of the season, Pep Guardiola saw three key members of his trusted coaching team leave the club — Juanma Lillo, Carlos Vicens, and Inigo Dominguez all exited, prompting a quick reshuffle at the Etihad.

To fill the void, Guardiola has turned to two experienced names.

Pep Lijnders, best known as Jurgen Klopp’s right-hand man at Liverpool, has joined as assistant manager.

Alongside him, set-piece specialist James French has also switched over after more than a decade at Anfield.

These appointments are part of City’s broader effort to steady the ship ahead of a busy summer and an ambitious tilt at global dominance.

Touré’s Role Is Growing but Still Unclear Long-Term

Touré’s call-up to the U.S. trip feels like more than a short-term decision.

Having taken on his role with the Under-18s just last year, he’s become a popular figure among players and staff.

Whether this step up becomes permanent is still uncertain, but the timing and circumstances suggest Guardiola sees long-term value in keeping Touré close.

He brings not only elite playing experience but also the kind of energy and personality that can be hugely influential behind the scenes.

Change in Club World Cup Plans Affects Academy Coaches

Originally, City were planning to rotate some of their younger coaching talent into the first-team environment during the Club World Cup.

The Under-21 boss Ben Wilkinson and his assistant Craig Mudd — both highly respected within the academy — were expected to help out in two-week shifts.

But with a more experienced squad now heading stateside, that plan’s been shelved.

City will take fewer academy prospects and more seasoned pros, meaning Wilkinson and Mudd will stay back to manage pre-season with their usual squads.

Squad Announcement Coming Soon as City Prepare for Takeoff

The Club World Cup squad is expected to be officially announced by Wednesday, with about 25 players making the trip to the U.S.

FIFA regulations allow for more than 30 players, but City appear to be going lean and experienced, rather than heavy on youth development.

Touré’s inclusion in the coaching set-up adds a layer of familiarity for some and excitement for others.

He’s walked the walk as a player — and now he’s looking to make his mark from the sidelines on the world stage.