Manchester City’s post-Pep Guardiola era has begun with a major backroom shake-up after five senior members of the legendary manager’s coaching staff also departed the club following his emotional exit.
The Spaniard officially brought the curtain down on his glittering 10-year spell at the Etihad on Sunday, ending one of the most successful managerial reigns in Premier League history.
But Guardiola’s departure has now triggered a dramatic overhaul behind the scenes, with several of his closest allies also leaving Manchester alongside him.
Among the biggest names exiting the club is former Arsenal and City defender Kolo Toure, who had only been permanently promoted to Guardiola’s senior coaching staff last summer.
Ex-Liverpool assistant Pepijn Lijnders has also left after spending just one season at the Etihad following his arrival from Red Bull Salzburg.
Goalkeeping coach Xabier Mancisidor, long-serving fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura and Guardiola’s trusted confidant Manuel Estiarte are also departing.
Estiarte, a hugely influential figure behind the scenes, worked closely with Guardiola throughout much of his managerial career and held the role of head of player support at City.
Manchester City’s post-Pep Guardiola era has begun with a major backroom shake-up after five senior members of the legendary manager’s coaching staff also departed the club following his emotional exit
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Kolo Toure is among the Man City staffers who have departed the Etihad
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City confirmed the departures in an official statement released on Tuesday.
“We can confirm the departures of Pep Lijnders, Kolo Toure, Lorenzo Buenaventura, Manel Estiarte and Xabi Mancisidor following the completion of the 2025/26 season,” the club said.
“Everyone at City would like to thank all five members of staff for their hard work and dedication, and wish them the very best of luck in the future.”
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Five things to know about Man City boss Pep Guardiola | GETTY/GB NEWSThe exits represent the end of an era at the Etihad after Guardiola transformed City into one of the most dominant teams European football has ever seen.
During his decade in charge, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss guided City to multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups and Champions League glory while revolutionising the club’s playing style.
Guardiola’s farewell sparked emotional scenes across Manchester on Monday as supporters gathered during the club’s trophy parade to say goodbye to the man widely regarded as the greatest manager in City’s history.
Attention has now quickly turned towards the future, with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca reportedly agreeing a three-year contract to succeed Guardiola.
Maresca previously worked under Guardiola as City’s assistant before leaving to pursue his own managerial career.
The Italian is expected to bring in several members of his own coaching staff as he begins preparations for the new campaign and attempts to continue City’s dominance domestically and in Europe.
Pepijn Lijnders’ exit also comes as a surprise given his strong reputation following years spent alongside Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool before his brief spell at Salzburg
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Toure’s departure is likely to hit supporters particularly hard given the affection fans still hold for the former Ivory Coast international.
The ex-centre-back won Premier League titles with both Arsenal and Manchester City and remained a hugely popular figure after moving into coaching.
Lijnders’ exit also comes as a surprise given his strong reputation following years spent alongside Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool before his brief spell at Salzburg.
Meanwhile, Buenaventura and Estiarte had become two of Guardiola’s most trusted allies throughout his managerial journey.
Under Maresca, it's unclear what the future holds.
But with City already preparing for a new era, it'll embark without the familiar faces of old.