- Toure looks set for a major step in his coaching career
- The former Man City midfielder has been building experience since retirement
- A European opportunity could now await the City legend
Yaya Toure looks set for the next major step in his coaching career after reportedly agreeing to his first senior head coach role.
The Ivorian midfielder played a major role in Man City’s rise after joining the club from FC Barcelona in 2010. Likewise, he became one of the most influential players of the early Abu Dhabi era.
Toure’s goals in the 2011 FA Cup semi-final and final helped City end their long wait for a major trophy, while his midfield performances later became central to Premier League title-winning teams.
Since retiring, the former midfielder has moved gradually into coaching rather than rushing into a high-profile managerial job. Now, that path seems to have led Toure to a major opportunity in European football.
Yaya Toure agrees Slovan Bratislava role
According to Sky Sports, Toure has agreed terms to become the new head coach of Slovan Bratislava. The move would mark his first senior managerial role following his retirement.
He previously held coaching positions in Russia, Ukraine, Tottenham’s academy, Standard Liege and the Saudi Arabia national team.
Slovan are Slovakia’s most successful club and recently won their eighth consecutive league title. Likewise, Toure could be involved in the Champions League qualifiers this summer if the appointment is finalised.
Former Celtic and Swansea coach Darren O’Dea is reported to be joining him as part of his staff. Toure will replace Vladimir Weiss, who stepped down from the role after managing the club for five years.
A serious first test for the Man City legend
With Slovan being the most dominant club domestically, the expectation will be to continue that legacy to guarantee his stay at the club.
While European progress would be important, it still seems ambitious at this stage. The Slovakian side failed to qualify for the Champions League last season.
They fell into the Europa League play-offs after losing their second qualifier match to Kairat on penalties. Furthermore, Slovan could not get past Young Boys to reach the Europa League.
They ended up playing in the Conference League, where they finished 29th out of 36th, not qualifying for the next round.
Likewise, apart from maintaining domestic dominance, Toure will have the job of making some progress on the continental front to make a mark in his first managerial role.
Toure now faces a different pressure
This will be a new challenge for the former midfielder following his playing career. After spending much of his time as an assistant coach, he will be directly tested in Europe during his first major managerial job.
While his reputation will earn him instant respect in the dressing room, the Ivorian gaffer will have to prove his competence as a manager.
Likewise, the margin for error is small. However, Toure’s background should help, though he’ll be making the final decisions now.
