Ivory Coast football legend Yaya Touré enjoyed another positive milestone in his coaching career after guiding Slovan Bratislava to a 2-1 comeback victory over Swedish champions Mjällby in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifying play-off.
The result gives the Slovak champions a narrow advantage ahead of the return fixture in Bratislava as they continue their pursuit of a place in the next round of qualifying.
Slovan found themselves behind after Mjällby took the lead through Elliot Stroud, who converted a penalty to put the home side in front.
However, the visitors responded strongly after the break, overturning the deficit to secure an important away victory, with the winning goal arriving in stoppage time.
The comeback leaves Touré’s side in a favourable position before the second leg, although the former Ivory Coast midfielder insisted there is still significant work to do.
Despite securing a valuable result away from home, the Slovan coach refused to become overly optimistic.
Touré praised the determination shown by his players to recover from going behind but admitted his team had struggled during large parts of the contest against the Swedish champions.
The Ivorian coach was particularly critical of his side’s first-half display, believing they lacked the aggression needed to control the match.
He suggested that Slovan would need to produce a stronger overall performance in the return leg if they are to secure progression.
The victory nevertheless continues an encouraging start to Touré’s time in charge of the Slovak club.
Since taking over, the former African Footballer of the Year has overseen four victories in his first five competitive matches.
That run has strengthened belief that the former midfielder is adapting well to management after a playing career that established him among Africa’s most decorated footballers.
Before defeating Mjällby, Slovan had already made a strong start to their domestic campaign by winning their opening two league matches.
They also reached this stage of the Champions League qualifiers after eliminating Iberia 1999, extending an unbeaten momentum that has continued into European competition.
The latest victory moves the Slovak champions closer to the play-off round, which represents the final hurdle before reaching the league phase of Europe’s premier club competition.
For Touré, the success also represents another important step in his development as one of Africa’s emerging coaches.
Having achieved success as a player for both club and country, including helping Ivory Coast win the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, the former midfielder is now seeking to build a managerial career capable of matching his achievements on the pitch.
His early results at Slovan Bratislava suggest a promising beginning, although the coach’s post-match comments underlined his determination to avoid complacency.
With the tie still only at its halfway stage, Touré believes his players must improve if they are to complete the job in front of their own supporters.
