**Manchester City assistant coach Kolo Toure has issued an update on Pep Guardiola following the Catalan’s absence from his pre-match media duties on Friday.**
City are preparing for another significant Premier League outing this weekend as they travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, continuing a busy period that has already seen them secure a run of victories.
After dismantling Sunderland 3–0 at the Etihad Stadium and earning a crucial Champions League win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, spirits are high within the squad. However, eyebrows were raised when Pep Guardiola did not appear for his usual Friday press conference.
Kolo Toure’s presence marked a change in routine, but the former defender appeared relaxed as he handled questions during a hectic but rewarding stretch for the club, with the team showing renewed sharpness in possession and improved defensive stability.
Speaking to the media in place of the club’s first-team head coach on Friday afternoon, Toure was first questioned on the absence of Pep Guardiola and particularly how the Catalan is doing at present.
“Pep \[Guardiola\] is fine,” the Ivorian coach admitted.
Toure explained, “It’s just his own matter that didn’t bring him here, but apart from that everything is fine for him.
“He’ll be back, for sure… Absolutely \[fine for Crystal Palace\].”
Offering his thoughts on the performances of Manchester City in recent games, Toure said, “I think what we’re doing at the moment is good because we play well, we find a way to get some results.
“And of course I know that the team can be better. We are improving, we are growing, and that is the most important for us at the moment.”
Looking ahead to the weekend, Pep Guardiola’s expected return to the touchline will reassure supporters as Manchester City enter a challenging spell in the fixture list. With Crystal Palace capable of troubling top sides, continuity will be valuable as City aim to maintain pressure at the top of the table.
The focus will also turn to how Guardiola shapes his starting line-up after the emotionally and physically intense win in Madrid. Key rotation decisions could define the performance at Selhurst Park, particularly with form players such as Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, and Jeremy Doku all looking likely to maintain a starting place.
While Kolo Toure’s update downplays any concerns, Pep Guardiola’s brief absence inevitably sparks discussion about the demands placed on elite managers during a packed schedule. For now, though, Manchester City appear calm, confident, and fully aligned as they look to extend their strong run into the weekend.