Kolo Toure claims it was his destiny to become a manager after taking charge of Wigan
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“Everybody told me: ‘You’re going to be a manager one day'”: Kolo Toure reveals that all his former bosses, including Wenger, Mancini and Rodgers, hinted at him ending up on the bench as he prepares for Wigan Bow
- Toure is the first African international to manage in senior English football
- The 41-year-old has the difficult task of keeping Wigan in the championship.
- He worked as a manager with Brendan Rodgers at Celtic and Leicester.
New Wigan Athletic boss Kolo Toure has revealed that every one of his former managers predicted he was destined to become number 1.
Toure’s first step in management is the difficult task of preserving Wigan’s Championship status, which begins at Millwall on Saturday.
The 41-year-old, who played under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal and Roberto Mancini at Manchester City, has spent the last five seasons learning his coaching trade helping Brendan Rodgers at Celtic and Leicester.
Wigan boss Kolo Toure is the first African international to manage in senior English football.
“It’s weird, but every manager I’ve ever worked with, they’ve all told me, ‘You’re going to be a manager one day.'” It was unbelievable,’ Toure said. ‘I started my coaching badges in 2014 when I was playing for Liverpool.
‘I’m quite vocal, I tried to help my team and management was the feeling I had for a long time. When I finished my degree, I never stopped.
‘I learned all the skills you need to be a manager. I’m not here to promise anything. I’m here to work. My work will speak for me.
Toure’s appointment has drawn some criticism from critics who say the Ivorian, whose brother Yaya was also linked to the vacancy, is too inexperienced for a relegation battle.
The former defender, who won two Premier League titles during his playing career, said he understood the skepticism but plans to take advantage of the man-management traits of Wenger and Rodgers.
“You have to love the players,” he added. ‘You need to like them.
His appointment comes after Leam Richardson (c) was sacked after nearly two years in the role.
‘You have to make them feel important. They are human beings. The closer you keep them, the more respect you give them, the more they can give you.
‘This is very important. Arsene Wenger was amazing at managing people.
“Criticism is normal, if a club appoints a new manager as their first job. Not only me.
‘I understand it. It is no problem. My job now is to prove that the club was right.
Toure (left) has worked as a manager with Brendan Rodgers for both Celtic and Leicester.
