During Brendan Rodgers' first stint as Celtic manager, there was a clear connection with Manchester City that saw the Hoops bring in several of their youngsters on loan. Olivier Ntcham was even signed on a permanent basis and had a decent Parkhead career before moving on. But this time around, we have not seen those moves between the Citizens and the Hoops.
Manchester City have one of the best academies in world football right now. So, if Celtic can bring in players from there, it would only benefit them in both the short and the long run. Just see how things have turned out with Jeremie Frimpong.
Now, there appears to be another connection between the two clubs. A former Celtic player and coach has been announced as part of Pep Guardiola's backroom team.
It is an announcement that Celtic fans will love. Manchester City's official account has confirmed the permanent appointment of Kolo Toure to Guardiola’s backroom staff.
Manchester City make announcement Celtic fans will love
Toure did not spend a long time playing for Celtic, but he was a popular figure amongst the fans nonetheless. After retiring from the game, he also had a coaching stint at Parkhead, working with Rodgers.
Since then, he has been on a coaching journey and it had looked like he was set to take the next step, when he was handed the manager's job at Wigan Athletic. But that was followed by a terrible run by Toure.
Now, he finds himself taking a step back and has become part of Guardiola's coaching team. Of course, it is worth mentioning that he is a former Manchester City player as well. And the chance to work with the Spaniard should serve him well, if coaching is something that he wants to do for years to come.