It wasn’t right how I left Manchester City – Liverpool gave me perfect place to bounce back
Kolo Toure’s career had been a remarkable journey through some of the biggest clubs in Europe. After his early years with the Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas, he made his mark in the Premier League with Arsenal, where he became a key figure in the team that won the 2003-2004 “Invincibles” title. His time at Arsenal cemented his reputation as a solid and reliable central defender, which led to a big move in 2009 to Manchester City. The transfer, worth £14 million, marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, and it was at City that he would experience a mixture of triumphs and challenges. However, as his time at Manchester City came to a close, Kolo Toure found himself at a crossroads in his football career, unsure of what the future held. Little did he know, Liverpool would provide the perfect environment for him to bounce back and reignite his career in the Premier League.
In the years that followed his transfer to Manchester City, Toure played an important role in the club’s rise to prominence. His leadership and experience were valuable assets to City as they began to challenge for top honors in the Premier League. Most notably, he played a part in City’s landmark 2011-2012 Premier League title win, which was their first league championship in 44 years. However, as time passed, Toure found it increasingly difficult to hold down a regular place in the starting lineup. The arrival of new signings, including defenders Joleon Lescott and Matija Nastasic, added to the competition for a spot in the team, and Toure’s place became less secure.
By the time Toure entered his final season at Manchester City in the 2012-2013 campaign, things were not going as he had hoped. Despite his past contributions, he found himself sidelined more often than not, making only 14 league appearances that season. This marked the end of his time at City, and with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2013, Toure began to assess his options. While he had offers from clubs abroad, including from Turkey, the idea of staying in the Premier League was appealing to him. Toure had already spent much of his career in England and felt that he still had more to offer in the top-flight competition.
It was at this point that Liverpool came into the picture. The club was in the midst of a transitional period, having undergone a managerial change in 2012 with Brendan Rodgers taking charge. Rodgers, who had previously been a manager at Swansea City, had a reputation for building teams that played an attacking, high-pressing style of football. As a central defender, Toure’s experience and leadership would be valuable assets for Rodgers’ Liverpool side, which was looking to challenge for the top spots in the Premier League once again.
When Brendan Rodgers contacted Toure, it came as a pleasant surprise to the experienced defender. In an interview with LFCTV back in 2015, Toure spoke candidly about the phone call he received from Rodgers, which would change the course of his career. Toure explained that, after the way his time at Manchester City had ended, he felt it was important to stay in the Premier League. He didn’t want to leave England, especially after the way things had finished at City. Toure knew that he still had a lot to offer, and the opportunity to join a club like Liverpool was something he couldn’t pass up.
Rodgers’ words had a significant impact on Toure. The chance to join one of England’s most historic clubs and to continue playing in the Premier League was an exciting prospect for the Ivorian. Toure explained that when Rodgers spoke to him and told him he was considering him for a role in the team, Toure was overwhelmed with joy. To be able to join a club like Liverpool, after playing for two of the biggest clubs in England—Arsenal and Manchester City—was a dream come true for Toure. The idea of playing for Liverpool, a club with such a rich history and passionate fanbase, was an opportunity he knew he could not let slip away.
At the time, Toure was looking for a fresh start. He had already achieved a lot in his career, having won the Premier League with Manchester City and played for one of the greatest teams in Arsenal’s history, but he felt that his career still had more to offer. The chance to join Liverpool in 2013 was the perfect situation for him to rebuild and revitalize his career. The club was a perfect fit for Toure, and he was eager to help the team succeed.
His decision to join Liverpool was not just about the opportunity to play in the Premier League again but also about the chance to be part of a club with a winning mentality. Toure felt that, under Rodgers’ guidance, he could contribute to a team that was on the rise and looking to compete for the top honors in English football. For Toure, it was not just about playing for a big club but about playing for a team that had a strong sense of tradition, pride, and ambition.
Once he joined Liverpool, Toure quickly became a popular figure within the squad. His wealth of experience and leadership qualities were immediately noticeable, and he was highly respected by his teammates. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, Toure remained a professional on and off the pitch, constantly motivating the younger players and offering valuable advice to those around him.
His time at Liverpool was not without challenges, however. In 2015, Jurgen Klopp was appointed as Liverpool’s new manager, replacing Brendan Rodgers. Klopp’s arrival marked the beginning of a new era at the club, and Toure had to adapt to a new style of play. Klopp’s philosophy of high-pressing, fast-paced football was demanding, and the training sessions under the German manager were intense. Toure later spoke about how difficult it was to adjust to the intensity of Klopp’s methods, especially in his first season under the new regime.
In an interview with LFCTV’s Extra Time show, Toure explained how challenging it was to adapt to Klopp’s high-intensity football. He noted that the first season under Klopp was especially tough for many players, including himself, due to the relentless nature of the training sessions. Klopp demanded a lot of his players, and every session was filled with high energy and physicality. For someone like Toure, who was used to a more measured style of play, this new approach was initially difficult to get used to.
However, Toure also praised Klopp for his management style. Despite the challenges, he appreciated how Klopp treated all his players with respect, whether they were starters or substitutes. Toure noted that Klopp’s ability to motivate and engage every player in the squad was one of the key factors behind the team’s success. Even players who were not regularly in the starting lineup felt valued and supported by Klopp, which contributed to a strong sense of unity within the squad. Toure was particularly appreciative of Klopp’s ability to motivate players individually, making sure everyone felt involved and appreciated.
Toure’s time at Liverpool was not without its difficulties, but it was also filled with memorable moments. His three years at the club saw him become a key figure in the dressing room, providing leadership and guidance to the younger players. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Toure remained committed to giving his best for the team, both on and off the pitch. He was a player who understood the importance of hard work, discipline, and professionalism, and he instilled these values in his teammates.
As his time at Liverpool came to an end in 2016, Toure left the club with fond memories and a sense of pride in what he had achieved. While his playing time may have been limited under Klopp, Toure played an important role in the team’s growth and development. He had contributed to the club’s resurgence and helped set the foundation for future success. Klopp’s arrival had changed the dynamic at Liverpool, and Toure was part of a squad that was beginning to compete at the highest level once again.
Toure’s time at Liverpool may have been short, but it was a significant chapter in his career. He had come to the club at a time when he needed a fresh start, and Liverpool provided the perfect environment for him to bounce back. He had experienced highs and lows at City, and the opportunity to play under Klopp at Liverpool allowed him to end his Premier League career on a positive note. Toure’s time at Liverpool was a reminder that sometimes the perfect opportunity to reignite one’s career can come at a time when you least expect it. For Toure, Liverpool was that perfect place, and it allowed him to leave a lasting legacy in English football.
