Barcelona and Man City Legend Shatters European Records Just Three Months After Taking His First Managerial Role

Yaya Touré has managed just 10 games in his debut managerial role, yet the former Barcelona and Manchester City midfielder has already etched his name into Champions League history.

The 43-year-old took his first serious step into management last June, taking charge of Slovakian outfit Slovan Bratislava. Following his retirement in 2019, the Ivorian spent several years developing his coaching expertise as an assistant at Olimpik Donetsk, Akhmat Grozny, Standard Liège and with the Saudi Arabia national team.

Touré worked alongside his former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini during his stint with Saudi Arabia, and the Italian's influence has evidently left a lasting impression on his protégé.

Across his 10 games in charge of Slovan Bratislava, Touré remains unbeaten, recording eight victories and two draws in all competitions. The only occasions he's been held back from winning have come in Champions League qualifying, yet that hasn't stopped the Sky Blues from reaching the competition's league phase for just the second time in their history.

Touré Writes New Chapter for African Soccer

Slovan secured their place in the Champions League league phase on Wednesday after overcoming Slovenian club NK Celje in the playoff round. A 1–1 draw at home in Bratislava was followed by a hard-fought 2–1 extra-time victory in the return leg for Touré and his squad, who had previously eliminated Iberia 1999 and Mjällby AIF.

By advancing to the league phase, Touré has become the first African head coach in history to guide a club into the main round of the Champions League — a landmark achievement accomplished in under three months at the helm.

Stern challenges await Slovan in the 36-team league phase, where they will need to significantly improve on their 2024–25 showing. That campaign saw them lose all eight of their matches, including a 4–0 thrashing by Touré's former club City, as well as heavy defeats to Celtic, Dinamo Zagreb, Atlético Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Thursday's draw revealed Slovan's eight league phase opponents. Somewhat fortunately for Touré, he has been spared a reunion with his former clubs Barça — with whom he lifted the Champions League trophy in 2009 — and City.

Nevertheless, the Slovakians still face some daunting fixtures, including clashes against reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain and last season's Serie A title holders Inter.