Yaya Touré embraces historic Champions League milestone ahead of PSG test

Ivorian tactician Yaya Touré has expressed joy as he prepares for a historic Champions League clash against Paris Saint Germain.

The former Barcelona and Manchester City star will make history on Wednesday night when he leads Slovan Bratislava against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League league phase, becoming the first African head coach to take charge of a team at this stage of the competition.

Touré admitted that the significance of the moment feels unusual, particularly given how difficult it has been for African coaches to secure opportunities at the highest level of European club football.

“It is true that it feels a bit strange. But on a personal level it is really nice. This is an important new era. We can say that things are now changing and moving forward,” Touré said ahead of the meeting with PSG.

The achievement represents another important step in Touré’s transition from an elite midfielder to a senior coach. The Ivorian took charge of Slovan Bratislava during the summer and quickly guided the Slovak champions through the Champions League qualifying rounds.

Slovan secured their place in the league phase after overcoming Slovenian side NK Celje 3-2 on aggregate, setting up a memorable campaign for Touré in his first senior managerial appointment.

The former Barcelona and Manchester City star now faces an immediate test against the reigning European champions at the Parc des Princes. PSG are looking to begin their title defence with a victory, while Touré and Slovan will attempt to produce a major upset.

For Touré, however, the occasion is bigger than one match. His presence on the Champions League touchline represents a breakthrough for African coaches who have often struggled to receive opportunities at the highest levels of European football.

Touré also believes the milestone could encourage more clubs to trust young African coaches and give them opportunities to prove themselves on the biggest stage.

The 43-year-old knows the challenge ahead will be enormous, but his appearance in the Champions League already marks a significant moment in his developing coaching career.

After making history as a player with Barcelona and Ivory Coast, Touré now has another opportunity to leave his mark on European football — this time from the dugout.