Yaya Touré ready for PSG test after breaking new ground in Europe

Yaya Touré has welcomed what he describes as an “era of renewal” in European football after becoming the first African coach to lead a team in the Champions League.

The Ivorian, appointed Slovan Bratislava manager in June, has made an immediate impact in Slovakia, guiding the club through two qualifying rounds to secure a place in the Champions League.

Touré will now take charge of Slovan Bratislava at the Parc des Princes against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, facing one of the strongest sides in European football.

The former Manchester City midfielder spoke about the significance of his achievement ahead of the meeting with PSG, expressing his pride at reaching the competition as a coach after previously making his name at the highest level as a player.

“It feels a bit strange, and I was pleased to see it ,” he said. ” It’s very difficult for us; we have to work two or three times harder, but things are changing; it’s an era of renewal .”

Touré’s progress with Slovan Bratislava represents an important moment for African coaches seeking opportunities in European football. His Champions League qualification has placed him in a position to potentially open the door for others who have found it difficult to establish themselves at the highest level of the European game.

His appointment last June was followed by an impressive qualifying campaign, with Slovan Bratislava successfully navigating two rounds to reach the competition proper.

The challenge now becomes significantly greater, with Touré’s side travelling to Paris to face PSG at the Parc des Princes. The Slovakian club will have a difficult task against the two-time defending champions, but the occasion provides Touré with another opportunity to underline his progress as a coach.

The Ivorian has already reached a significant milestone by becoming the first African coach to manage in the Champions League. A victory over PSG would make the achievement even more remarkable and allow Touré to make history against one of the leading coaches in world football.

For Touré, however, his journey is also about more than his own achievement. His rise at Slovan Bratislava comes at a time when African coaches continue to seek greater opportunities in European football.

His presence on the Champions League touchline could therefore prove significant for those who follow, with his progress offering a potential pathway for other African coaches hoping to establish themselves in Europe.