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Former Ivory Coast international Yaya Touré has been appointed head coach of Slovak champions ŠK Slovan Bratislava, signing a three-year contract that marks his first major managerial role at senior level.
The 43-year-old former midfield star, widely regarded for his influential spells at Manchester City and FC Barcelona, transitions into the role after several years of coaching development since retiring from professional football.
Slovan Bratislava, the record 32-time Slovak champions, confirmed the appointment as part of a long-term rebuild plan led by club CEO Ivan Kmotrík Jr., who described Touré as a carefully selected candidate for the next phase of the club’s project.
“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,” Kmotrík Jr. said.
He added that replacing the previous coach was not straightforward, noting a deliberate search for someone with elite-level experience and strong coaching ambition.
“My goal was to bring in someone with the experience of the highest level of world soccer and who is also highly motivated to make a name for himself as a coach,” he said, adding that early conversations with Touré left a strong impression that shaped the final decision.
Touré’s coaching background includes work within the Tottenham Hotspur academy system and a spell as assistant to Roberto Mancini with the Saudi Arabian national team setup, experiences that helped shape his tactical development.
Speaking on his appointment, Touré said he is eager to begin work immediately.
“I’m very happy and excited; honestly, I can’t wait for us to get to work together on Monday,” he said, while also paying respect to his predecessor’s achievements.
Touré also highlighted his ambition to build an identity-driven project at the club, adding that he has long wanted an opportunity to lead his own team after years of assisting at elite level.
“I’ve longed for a long time to be able to work on my own project as a head coach,” he said.
Further details on his backroom staff and full technical setup are expected to be announced at a press conference on Monday, where he will be formally presented to supporters and media.
