Yaya Toure Targets Champions League Revival as Stuttgart Visit Slovan
Yaya Toure will lead Slovan Bratislava into their Champions League home tie with Stuttgart seeking to halt a nine-match losing streak in the competition.
Key match facts
| Item | Figure | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Slovan’s Champions League losing run | 9 matches | Stuttgart visit Bratislava next |
| European scoring sequence | 6 matches | Slovan have found the net in each game |
| Matches without a win against German clubs | 5 | Slovan’s current record against German opposition |
| Toure’s age | 43 | First senior head-coach role |
The former Barcelona and Manchester City midfielder is in his first campaign as a senior manager after being handed control of the Slovak champions. Toure retired from playing in 2019 and said he is grateful that Slovan gave him the opportunity to take charge.
A four-time African Player of the Year, Toure chose a gradual route into coaching rather than immediately pursuing a major managerial post. He previously worked as an assistant at Olimpik Donetsk, Tottenham Hotspur’s academy and Standard Liege, before joining Roberto Mancini’s Saudi Arabia staff.
“Football has been my passion all my life, so remaining in the game was hugely important,” Toure said. “I did not want to move too quickly. Former coaches and directors helped open doors for me at their clubs.”
Toure believes his deliberate approach was necessary after watching other high-profile former players struggle with the demands of coaching.
“We have seen excellent former players find it harder as coaches,” he said. “That is why I wanted to be patient and understand every part of the job.”
The Ivorian said his discipline comes from his father’s military background. He arrives early, leaves late and demands punctuality and respect, but wants his football to remain uncomplicated.
“My philosophy is simple: enjoy football and show respect to opponents, both on the field and away from it,” Toure said. “When the players step onto the pitch, they make the decisions. My role is to help them.”
Next comes Stuttgart, with Slovan needing a result to revive their continental run. Their six-game European scoring sequence offers encouragement, but Toure’s side must also overturn a five-match winless record against German opponents.
