Pep Guardiola unexpectedly absent ahead of the match against Crystal Palace

As reported by The Sun, Pep Guardiola is forced to be absent from the pre-match press briefing with Crystal Palace for personal reasons. Assistant coach Kolo Toure will respond to the press on his behalf.

Pep Guardiola will not attend the press conference before the Manchester City versus Crystal Palace game due to "personal reasons," a detail that has caught the attention of the British media amid the title race. Premier League The Premier League is heating up with each round. However, this absence is not expected to affect Man City's preparations, as the Spanish coach continues to directly guide his players during their away match at Selhurst Park this weekend.

Representing Pep Guardiola, assistant coach Kolo Toure will be the one addressing the media. This is the first time the former Ivory Coast defender has taken on this role since being promoted to Manchester City's first-team coaching staff last summer. For many fans, seeing Kolo Toure in the Etihad press room carries significant meaning, as he is not only part of Pep's current setup but also serves as a unique link between two dominant forces in the Premier League: Arsenal and Manchester City.

Man City enters this phase of the season with high confidence. After a shaky start that allowed Arsenal to gain an early advantage in the title race, Guardiola's team has gradually regained their usual form. Four wins in the last five matches have brought The Citizens just two points behind the top spot. The pressure is shifting back to their rivals, and even small details, including a press conference, can become a focal point.

In this context, Kolo Toure's appearance before the media carries multiple layers of significance. As a player, he made 326 appearances for Arsenal and was a key figure in the unbeaten 2003/04 squad. Later, Toure experienced Premier League glory with Man City in the 2011/12 season, when the club won the title in one of the most dramatic finishes in league history. Having played for both teams makes Kolo Toure a sensitive name whenever the championship battle is discussed.

Notably, while Kolo Toure works quite naturally and harmoniously with Pep Guardiola, the relationship between Pep and Yaya Toure (Kolo’s younger brother) is completely different. Yaya has openly criticized Guardiola, claiming he was treated unfairly by Pep from their time at Barcelona through to the end of his career at Man City. Yaya's comments sparked controversy and deepened the rift between the two, becoming one of the most talked-about backstage stories involving Pep Guardiola.

This contrast makes Kolo Toure’s current role even more special. He exemplifies how, in top-level football, personal relationships can vary greatly, even among family members. For Man City, Toure’s presence in the coaching staff is not only professionally significant but also demonstrates Pep Guardiola's willingness to trust individuals who align with his philosophy and culture, despite a complex past.