KOLO HAILS RODGERS
KOLO TOURE reckons Brendan Rodgers was the perfect mentor for him at Celtic as he embarks on his new coaching career.
The former Hoops defender was appointed assistant manager to Ivory Coast’s Olympic team this week after leaving Parkhead in the summer.
And the former Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City stopper has thanked Rodgers for helping him learn his trade in Glasgow.
Toure said: “I had the chance to learn from Brendan during the past season. I was still a Celtic player but during the second half of the season I was basically an apprentice coach at the club.
“This allowed me to take part in match preparation, pre-match and post-match meetings, half time talks. So I had a great experience of coaching with Brendan for six months, which has helped a great deal.”
But the 36-year-old insists he hasn’t hung up his boots yet and could play again.
He said: “This is a new challenge and it’s a great honour. For some time I’ve been preparing myself for this role. I was given a chance to become a coach only but I want to keep playing and combine both.
“I played under Brendan, Arsene Wenger, Roberto Mancini and many more. I spoke to them all before I decided what to do.
“I’m waiting on the right opportunity to continue playing. If I don’t find the right club, I’ll become a full time coach.”