Joleon Lescott opens up on coaching experiences with Man City and England Under-21s

Former Manchester City centre-back Joleon Lescott has opened up on his experience of being a youth coach for both his former club and at international level with England's Under-21s.

Lescott, who donned City colours between 2009 and 2014, returned to the Etihad Stadium in a coaching capacity, following his retirement from playing in 2017. His responsibilities at the club saw him work with players in their development phase, as well as keeping a close eye on those heading out on loan.

Furthermore, the former centre-back, who made 160 appearances for City, was also responsible for finding the correct club for players who were set to head out on loan, meaning there was a weight of responsibility on his shoulders. However, it was a role he thoroughly enjoyed, admitting it felt like a "natural fit" for him.

READ MORE: Man City's Turf Moor record quashes any bogey-ground talk ahead of Premier League clash

"About a year after I retired from playing in 2017, I got a job at Manchester City, working with the development phase and players going out on loan," Lescott told The Coaches' Voice. "The role felt like a natural fit.

"Watching players, studying their game and looking for ways to help them improve. I really enjoyed it.

"I don't have a massive amount of experience on the grass, but I've watched thousands of games. Seeing which attributes a player has, and which they are lacking, came easily to me.

"I also had to find players who were a good fit for clubs that were interested in taking a young player on loan. That involved talking to both parties; making sure the club was getting a player who suited their playing style and filled a hole for them, but also ensuring that Manchester City and the player would benefit from the