Pep Guardiola is as passionate as ever – Kolo Toure

Pep Guardiola is as hungry and passionate as ever, according to his assistant manager, Kolo Toure.

The Manchester City boss is in his 10th season at the Etihad Stadium and eyeing yet more glory.

Guardiola failed to add a major trophy to his vast haul last season as City suffered a dip in form, but they are back in contention this term.

Toure joined Guardiola’s backroom staff in the summer and has been hugely impressed by his determination and enthusiasm.

The former City defender said: “The manager’s energy every day is incredible.

“I’m so surprised, with all the years that he’s done in the league. The passion he brings to every meeting, the training sessions – he’s enjoying himself every day and we are enjoying it as well.

“You can see in the games when we play. It doesn’t matter what happens, we have a big spirit in the team, we have a lot of energy, we are fighting for every single ball.”

Toure was filling in for Guardiola at a press conference on Friday to preview City’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace.

Guardiola was unable to attend due to a personal matter but will be in charge as normal at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

Kolo