Kolo Touré named new Wigan boss

Wigan Athletic have named Kolo Touré as their new manager. The former Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool defender previously worked under Brenden Rodgers at Leicester City. Prior to coaching at Leicester, Touré was also a technical assistant at Celtic as well.

The move makes Touré the first ever African international to ever manage a senior English club.

Club gushes over Premier League winner

Following the announcement, Wigan chief executive Malachy Brannigan spoke about the hiring. “We are delighted that Kolo has become the new manager of Wigan Athletic Football Club, and the Board are pleased that he is the man to take us forward,” claimed Brannigan.

“From the earliest of conversations we had with Kolo, it was evident to us that he had instantly bought into the values of the Club – with his enthusiasm, knowledge, and immense desire to work and be part of Wigan Athletic shining throughout the process.” 

“There is no doubt that this appointment is an exciting one for the Football Club. Kolo is a manager who wants to play a positive brand of football and will strive every day to make the Club stronger.” 

“The work starts immediately with the first team squad, as the season is just a couple of weeks away from restarting.”

Tough job for Kolo Touré at Wigan

Touré will have to do well to avoid relegation in his new role. Wigan currently sit 22nd out of 24 teams in the Championship table. The Latics have only collected one victory in their last eight league games.

MailOnline claimed that Wigan initially approached Kolo’s brother, Yaya, for the coaching position. However, the younger Touré brother declined the opportunity.

Kolo Touré will have about 10 days to prepare for his first league match as manager. Wigan travel away to Millwall on Dec. 10, as the Championship resumes. Kevin Betsy, Ashvir Johal, and Rob Kelly will join Toure as assistant coaches on the sidelines at the club.

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