Yaya Toure appointed Slovan Bratislava head coach

Former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has been appointed manager of Slovak champions Slovan Bratislava, the club confirmed on Saturday.

The 43-year-old former Ivory Coast international has reportedly signed a three-year contract with the club based in the Slovak capital.

“I’m very happy and excited; honestly, I can’t wait for us to get to work together on Monday,” Toure said in a statement released by the club.

“I want to build on what has already been achieved while also bringing something new and unique of my own. Football 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.”

The appointment marks Toure’s first role as the head coach of a senior team since retiring from professional football in 2020.

Since ending his playing career, Toure has gained coaching experience in several assistant roles, working with Olimpik Donetsk in Ukraine, Akhmat Grozny in Russia and Standard Liège in Belgium.

Most recently, he served as an assistant coach with the Saudi Arabia national team under Roberto Mancini.

Toure enjoyed one of the most successful playing careers of his generation, winning league titles in Spain and England, as well as the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona. He was also a key figure in Manchester City’s rise to prominence, helping the club win the Premier League title in 2012.

Slovan Bratislava will now hope the four-time African Player of the Year can translate his vast playing and coaching experience into success as he embarks on the biggest managerial challenge of his career.