Wigan Athletic have appointed Kolo Touré as their new manager. The former Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool defender previously worked with Brenden Rodgers at Leicester City. Before coaching at Leicester, Touré was also an assistant manager at Celtic.
The move makes Touré the first African international to manage a senior English club.
Club rave about Premier League winner
Following the announcement, Wigan chief executive Malachy Brannigan spoke about the recruitment. “We are delighted that Kolo has become the new manager of Wigan Athletic Football Club, and the Board is delighted that he is the man to take us forward,” Brannigan said.
“From the very first conversations we had with Kolo, it was apparent to us that he had instantly embraced the Club’s values, with his enthusiasm, knowledge and immense desire to work for and be part of Wigan Athletic shining through throughout. ”
“There is no doubt that this event is exciting for the Football Club. Kolo is a coach who wants to play positive football and will work hard every day to make the Club stronger”.
“Work starts immediately on the first-team squad, as the season is only a couple of weeks away from restarting.”
Hard work for Kolo Touré in Wigan
Touré will have to get it right to avoid relegation in his new role. Wigan are currently 22nd out of 24 teams in the Championship table. The Latics have collected just one win in their last eight league games.
MailOnline claimed that Wigan initially approached Kolo’s brother Yaya for the managerial role. However, Touré’s younger brother declined the opportunity.
Kolo Touré will have about 10 days to prepare for his first league match as manager. Wigan travel to Millwall on December 10, when the championship resumes. Kevin Betsy, Ashvir Johal and Rob Kelly will join Toure as assistant coaches on the sidelines of the club.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Focus Images
