Yaya Toure calls for time after Slovan Bratislava suffer another Champions League defeat

Yaya Toure’s difficult start as Slovan Bratislava head coach continued as the Slovakian champions were beaten 4-0 by AS Roma in the Champions League.

The former Cote d’Ivoire captain has been in charge for four months, having taken his first senior managerial role, but he has already seen the gap between his side and Europe’s leading clubs.

Slovan have now lost all three of their matches in the competition’s main phase, conceding 13 goals and scoring only once. They were previously beaten 6-1 by Paris Saint-Germain and 3-0 by Stuttgart before Tuesday’s defeat at the Stadio Olimpico.

Toure was particularly frustrated by the individual errors that contributed to Roma’s goals.

For the third, Tigran Barseghyan hesitated inside his own penalty area despite having several opportunities to clear. The Armenia captain was unable to shield the ball and Niccolo Pisilli took advantage, finishing from close range.

Toure responded by taking Barseghyan off three minutes later.

The fourth goal highlighted another weakness in the Slovan defence. Wesley was allowed to advance too easily past Cesar Blackman, who then conceded a penalty. Donyell Malen converted from the spot.

Slovan managed no shots on target and never looked capable of mounting a comeback against a Roma side which controlled the match.

Toure acknowledged the scale of the challenge but urged patience, pointing out that he had only been in the job for four months and that Roma had resources far greater than those available to Slovan.

“Give me time and you will see,” Toure said, while admitting the difference between the teams was “enormous”.

The Ivorian had spent years preparing for a move into coaching, working with several clubs and national teams before taking charge of Slovan. He is also the first African coach to lead a team into the main phase of the Champions League.

Slovan were not expected to immediately compete with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain or Roma, but the ease with which they have conceded goals is becoming an increasing concern.

Toure must now ensure his players learn from the heavy defeats while maintaining their confidence and keeping the squad united. His next European fixture comes on 3 November away to LASK, an opponent considered more approachable than their previous three.

That match will provide an early indication of whether Slovan have responded to his demands.