‘Why not?’ – Emmanuel Eboue backs Yaya Toure for historic Premier League coaching role

Emmanuel Eboue has backed former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure to eventually break new ground by becoming the first Ivorian manager in the Premier League.

Toure has taken gradual steps into coaching since ending his illustrious playing career, gaining experience in different roles across Europe before landing his current position as head coach of Slovan Bratislava.

The former City star began his coaching journey with Olimpik Donetsk and Akhmat Grozny, where he worked as an assistant manager. He later joined Tottenham, taking charge of academy sides as he continued to build his coaching credentials.

Eboue backs Yaya for Premier League breakthrough

Toure has since worked at Standard Liege and in Saudi Arabia before moving to Slovan Bratislava, where he replaced Vladimir Weiss earlier this year.

His footballing philosophy could also make him an intriguing candidate for a future Premier League opportunity.

Toure has made it clear that he wants his teams to dominate games, control possession and ultimately play winning football — principles that could translate well to the demands of English football.

For Eboue, who played alongside Toure for Ivory Coast, there is no reason why his former international teammate cannot eventually return to England in a managerial capacity.

Speaking to LiveFootballTickets, the former Arsenal defender expressed confidence in Toure’s potential to reach the Premier League dugout.

“Why not? Maybe one day Yaya Touré will be there.”

‘Everybody in Ivory Coast is very proud’

Eboue revealed that he remains in contact with Toure and believes the former midfielder is progressing well in his transition from playing to coaching.

“Everybody in Ivory Coast is very proud of what he is doing. Yaya is my friend and I speak to him sometimes. I believe one day he can come back to England as a manager because he is doing very well.”

A Premier League appointment would also carry historic significance for Ivory Coast, with Toure potentially becoming the first Ivorian to manage in the competition.

“Maybe one day we will see an Ivorian manager in the Premier League. Why not?”

Kolo Toure came closest

Yaya’s older brother, Kolo Toure, previously came closer than any other Ivorian to taking charge in the English top flight.

The former Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool defender managed Wigan Athletic in the Championship after moving into coaching, but his spell was short-lived.

Kolo was dismissed after just nine games without a victory, ending his attempt to establish himself in English management.

Yaya’s coaching journey, however, remains in its early stages.

Slovan experience key to Yaya’s ambitions

At Slovan Bratislava, Toure now has an opportunity to strengthen his managerial credentials and demonstrate that his ideas can produce results from the dugout.

His path back to England is likely to require further experience and success, but his ambition to build teams around control, dominance and winning football provides a clear indication of the type of manager he wants to become.