Many changes have occurred at Manchester City during the summer.
Following a disappointing 24/25 campaign, Pep Guardiola planned to add four to five new faces to his squad, and the Premier League giants hit that target, with the signing of James Trafford being the sixth player to be signed by City.
It is hoped that these additions will have an impact at Man City over the coming months, but the changes did not stop there, as Guardiola saw Pepijn Lijnders and James French join his coaching staff.
John Stones has now been speaking about the changes that have occurred ahead of the 25/26 campaign, with the defender stating that one “incredible” man has helped rejuvenate the entire squad at the Etihad Stadium.
John Stones warms up ahead of Manchester City v Al Ain.
Photo by Patrick Smith – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Man City squad impressed with Kolo Toure
Following the arrival of Lijnders and French, Guardiola saw Toure added to his coaching staff after the former defender travelled with the Premier League giants to the FIFA Club World Cup.
Speaking about Toure, Stones has stated that the new City coach has been “incredible” since his arrival and has helped breathe new life into the Manchester club’s squad.
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“I think it’s too hard to drastically change your identity and what we’ve kind of cemented over the years,” Stones said via Manchester Evening News.
“But obviously there’s fine tweaks and fresh faces – Pep Lijnders whose come in, Kolo [Toure] has been incredible, brought a new energy to us, a new aspect, and a new angle of looking at things.
“And I think it’s all positive. It’s going to help us in the long run; they’re enthusiastic for it, as we are as players. And it will be soon here, the season’s around the corner.”
Stones is expected to stay at Man City for the upcoming season, and it remains to be seen if Toure can help the centre-back return to his former self.
Kolo Toure can help Man City fix their biggest issue
Bernardo Silva was critical of Man City after their FIFA Club World Cup exit, as it was clear that the Manchester club had not fixed their issues from the previous campaign regarding transitions.
The Premier League giants were picked apart on the break by the Saudi club, which was a common scenario that played out during the 24/25 season without Rodri in City’s team.
This is an issue Man City have to fix before the Premier League gets underway next week, and given his experience in the English top flight, Toure could play a big role in finding solutions.
With Rayan Ait-Nouri getting high up the pitch from left-back, this will leave a lot of space behind for the opposition to exploit. Finding the right balance will be key for this area of the pitch, and having organised many a defence throughout his career, Toure will certainly be able to help.