English football powerhouse Manchester City has confirmed the departure of five members of their first-team backroom staff at the end of the 2025/26 season. This move marks a significant transition following the exit of the renowned manager Pep Guardiola. The departing staff include assistant coach Pep Lijnders, former defender Kolo Toure, fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura, operations and support official Manel Estiarte, and head goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor.
The exits come in the wake of Guardiola stepping down, concluding a remarkable era at the Etihad Stadium. Lijnders, who joined City as Guardiola’s assistant coach for the 2025/26 season, played a pivotal role in the team’s success, securing both the League Cup and the FA Cup during his tenure. Similarly, Kolo Toure, a former player who had transitioned into coaching, contributed significantly to the club’s backroom setup.
Notably, the departure of long-serving fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura signifies the end of an era. Buenaventura, a trusted aide of Guardiola, had been instrumental in maintaining the high physical standards associated with Guardiola’s teams across various clubs. Additionally, Manel Estiarte, a close associate of Guardiola, will also be leaving after serving in an operational and player-support role.
Furthermore, goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor, who had been with Manchester City for over a decade, is among those departing. Mancisidor’s tenure at the club spanned successful periods under different managers, including Guardiola. The club expressed gratitude to all departing staff members for their dedication and contributions, wishing them success in their future endeavors.
