Slovak champions ŠK Slovan Bratislava have appointed former Manchester City and Barcelona midfielder Yaya Touré as their new head coach on a three-year contract.
The club confirmed the appointment on Saturday, saying in an official statement: “The club’s management has agreed to a three-year contract with the 43-year-old former star player.”
Touré, who enjoyed a decorated playing career that included Premier League titles with Manchester City and multiple honours with Barcelona, has been gradually building his coaching credentials in recent years.
He previously worked within the Tottenham Hotspur academy and also served as assistant coach to Roberto Mancini with the Saudi Arabia national team.
In a statement released by the club, Touré expressed excitement about his first senior managerial role.
“I love challenges and am incredibly excited to coach a great club with a rich history, a beautiful stadium, and high ambitions,” he said.
“With Slovan, I want to play dominant football, win games, and control matches so that we can delight our fans. I’m looking forward to getting to know the players personally.”
He also revealed that he had followed Slovan Bratislava’s UEFA Champions League clash against Manchester City last season.
Club CEO Ivan Kmotrík Jr. welcomed the appointment, praising Touré’s experience at the highest level of football and his ambition for success.
“I am delighted that we have agreed on a three-year contract with him. I had several face-to-face meetings with Yaya Touré, and he made an excellent impression,” Kmotrík Jr. said.
The announcement generated strong reactions on social media, with fans and supporters welcoming the high-profile appointment.
Touré’s appointment marks his first senior head coaching role and represents a significant move for Slovan Bratislava, Slovakia’s most successful club with 32 league titles and a European pedigree that includes a 1969 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.
Further details on his coaching staff are expected to be announced at a press conference on Monday.
