Kolo Toure exposes Pep: 'I'm so surprised...'

It's been five months since Kolo Toure joined Pep Guardiola's staff at Manchester City and instantly became an irreplaceable cog in the Spaniard's machinery.

The immense experience the former Arsenal, Cityzens, and Liverpool centre-back has is a genuine asset for the Etihad crew, and it's not a surprise. Yet, the Ivorian has recently revealed that the Spaniard surprised him in a very positive way.

"I'm so surprised with all the years that he's done in the league and now the energy that he still has every day. The passion he brings to every meeting, training sessions. He's enjoying himself every day and we are enjoying it," Toure praised his boss via Daily Mail.

The 44-year-old also disclosed what Pep told him once he joined the crew, and it's something not every renowned tactician would do. The Spaniard gave him - freedom.

"Working with Pep is incredible. He allows me to be who I am. I was not expecting that but the first thing he told me when I came was, 'just be you'. This is incredible."

"When you work for certain managers they will tell you what they want you to do but Pep wants you to express yourself because he knows that every individual has a special skill. He doesn't keep you in one box," Kolo added.

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Finally, although he was a defender, a member of Arsenal's famous "Invincibles" disclosed he plays an essential role in the development of none other than City's ruthless goalscorer, Erling Haaland.

"I mentor them a lot, trying to advise them on certain things on the pitch, and do some individual stuff like the technique to finish or to defend."

"I help Erling by telling him stuff about defenders, what they don't like because I was a defender," Toure concluded.

Last night, Arsenal barely beat Wolverhampton (2-1) and increased the advantage over the Cityzens at the top of the Premier League table to five points. Today, Pep and Kolo's lads must respond, facing Crystal Palace in London (17.00), while the Norwegian will have another chance to improve his scoring tally and show what Toure has taught him.

PREMIER LEAGUE - ROUND 16

Saturday

Chelsea - Everton 2-0 (2-0)

/Palmer 21, Gusto 45/

Liverpool - Brighton 2-0 (1-0)

/Ekitike 1, 60/

Burnley - Fulham 2-3 (1-2)

/Ugochukwu 21, Sonne 86 - Smith Rowe 9, Bassey 31, Wilson 58/

Arsenal - Wolverhampton 2-1 (0-0)

/Johnstone 70 (og), Mosquera 90+4 (og) - Arokodare 90/

Sunday

17.00: (4.00) Crystal Palace (3.60) Man.City (1.90)

17.00: (2.55) Nott.Forest (3.25) Tottenham (2.85)

17.00: (3.30) Sunderland (3.45) Newcastle (2.30)

17.00: (3.80) West Ham (3.50) Aston Villa (2.00)

19.30: (2.00) Brentford (3.60) Leeds (4.10)

Monday

23.00: (1.83) Man.Utd. (4.00) Bournemouth (4.05)

*** odds are subject to change ***