Yaya Toure, the 43-year-old former Barcelona and Manchester City midfielder, was appointed manager of Slovan Bratislava on June 13, signing a three-year contract with the Slovak club [1, 2]. Toure replaces Vladimir Weiss, who led Slovan Bratislava to six consecutive Slovak First Football League titles before becoming Slovakia’s national team manager [1, 2].
Slovan Bratislava have dominated Slovak football with eight successive league titles, including six under Weiss’s leadership [1, 2]. Toure steps into a club with high expectations and a strong winning tradition.
Before taking the head coach role in Bratislava, Toure spent two-and-a-half years as an assistant coach with the Saudi Arabia national team. During that period, he helped the team qualify for their third consecutive FIFA World Cup [1, 2].
Toure said of his appointment, “My predecessor deserves great respect for what he’s achieved with Slovan. I want to build on that while also bringing something new and unique of my own” [1]. He added, "With Slovan, I want to play dominant soccer, win games, and control matches so that we can delight our fans" [1].
At 43, Toure brings recent international coaching experience and a decorated playing career to the role. His contract runs through the end of the 2028 season, tasking him with continuing Slovan’s domestic success while developing the club’s playing style [1, 2].