Champions League club set for ‘new era’ following the managerial appointment of Yaya Toure

Manchester City legend Yaya Toure has landed his first managerial role, and it is with a side that have qualified for the Champions League next season.

The former Ivory Coast international has previously been involved in several coaching roles since retirement, including being an assistant manager and working in academies.

Most recently, Toure had been the assistant coach of Saudi Arabia on November 3, 2023, to reunite with his former manager at Manchester City, Roberto Mancini.

The 43-year-old coached in Russia and Ukraine before moving to Tottenham’s academy squad before enjoying a short stint with Belgian side Standard Liege.

Now, he has been appointed the manager of Slovan Bratislava on a three-year deal.

Toure will aim to bring his wealth of experience to the club, which he has racked up as a player as a footballer, winning five league titles at both Barcelona and Man City.

Slovan Bratislava will be hopeful that Toure can once again lift the Slovak Super League, with the last time they have failed to do so coming in 2018, so the Ivorian will be aiming to not become the first to fail to lift this trophy in what will be nine years at the end of next season.

Another aim for him with the Slovakian side will be to return to the league phase of the Champions League, as they failed to compete in it last campaign, but they had qualified for it in 2024-25.

Last season, they were eliminated in the Champions League qualifiers by Kazakhstani club Kairat, who reached the league phase, while Slovan Bratislava was eliminated from the Europe League qualifiers and took part in the Conference League.

Speaking about his appointment, Toure said: “I’m very happy and excited; honestly, I can’t wait for us to get to work together on Monday. My predecessor deserves great respect for what he’s achieved with Slovan. I want to build on that while also bringing something new and unique of my own.

“Soccer is everything to me. I love challenges and am incredibly excited to coach a great club with a rich history, a beautiful stadium, and high ambitions. I was very pleasantly surprised by the club’s facilities, which are truly top-notch. With Slovan, I want to play dominant soccer, win games, and control matches so that we can delight our fans.”

Toure will have a former Ireland international, Darren O'Dea, as his assistant manager, with the former defender having years of coaching experience following his work with Celtic B and as Swansea City caretaker manager.

The club’s CEO appears to be excited by the appointment of a former Champions League winner as their manager to replace Vladimir Weiss.

He said: “I am very pleased that Yaya Touré is our new head coach. I am delighted that we have agreed on a three-year contract with him and that, starting Monday, we will begin building a new era for Slovan Bratislava together.”