Former Manchester City and Barcelona star Yaya Toure is on the verge of taking charge of Slovak giants Slovan Bratislava in what would be the first senior managerial role of his coaching career.
The 43-year-old has reportedly agreed terms with the reigning Slovak champions and is expected to be appointed as the club’s new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 season. The move represents a major milestone for the former Ivory Coast international, who has spent recent years building his coaching experience in a variety of assistant and academy roles.
Since retiring from professional football in 2019, Toure has worked with clubs and national teams across Europe and the Middle East. His coaching journey has included spells in Ukraine and Russia, a role within Tottenham Hotspur’s academy setup, a brief stint at Standard Liege and, most recently, a position as assistant coach with the Saudi Arabia national team.
Now he is preparing for his biggest challenge yet.
Slovan Bratislava are Slovakia’s most successful football club and have just secured their eighth consecutive league title. Their domestic dominance has earned them another opportunity to compete in the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds this summer.
Toure’s appointment follows the departure of long-serving coach Vladimir Weiss, who stepped down after five years in charge to begin a second spell as head coach of the Slovakia national team. Weiss signed off by delivering yet another league championship for the Bratislava-based club.
According to reports, former Celtic and Swansea City coach Darren O’Dea could join Toure’s backroom staff as assistant manager. O’Dea has been weighing up several coaching opportunities after leaving Swansea last season.
As a player, Toure enjoyed one of the most decorated careers of his generation. The midfield powerhouse won league titles with both Barcelona and Manchester City and lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy with the Spanish giants in 2009. He also earned 101 caps for Ivory Coast and was widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest footballers.
His immediate task at Slovan Bratislava will be guiding the club through the Champions League qualifying campaign. The Slovak champions have struggled to establish themselves in European competition in recent seasons and will be hoping Toure can help elevate the club’s continental ambitions.
For Toure, the move offers a chance to prove that the leadership and success he displayed on the pitch can translate into life in the dugout.
