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Man City legend Yaya Toure lands first manager job at surprise club as he accepts offer

Manchester City legend Yaya Toure has a big job on his hands as he prepares to land his first managerial role this week. The former Ivory Coast international, who won three Premier League titles and is still regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, was most recently an assistant coach for Saudi Arabia’s national team under Roberto Mancini, and has previously held deputy positions at Standard Liege, Akhmat Grozny, and Olimpik Donetsk.

He also joined Tottenham in 2022 as an Under-16s coach under Antonio Conte. But now, it appears the 42-year-old is ready to take the next big step in his career by taking on his first-ever role as head coach of a club. According to the Daily Mail, he has accepted an offer to become manager of Daring Brussels - a Belgian second-tier side owned by Crystal Palace shareholder John Textor.

Toure, who also played for Barcelona, Monaco, and Olympiacos, retired in 2019 after a season with Chinese side Qingdao Hainiu, before going on to earn his coaching badges. Now, he looks set to put them to their biggest test yet.

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Yaya Toure Lands First Managerial Role at Daring Brussels

The job isn't an easy one for the Ivorian

Yaya Toure

Toure has previously called for greater representation of Black managers in football - and now, he has the chance to prove his worth as one himself in Belgium’s capital. The former midfielder is no stranger to Belgian football, having started his professional career at K.S.K. Beveren at the age of 18, where he spent two seasons and played 70 times.

He returned to the Belgian Pro League two years ago as assistant coach at Standard Liege under Carl Hoefkens. But this third bite of the cherry could prove to be his sourest yet. The Brussels outfit finished third in the Belgian second division last season but missed out on promotion after losing to Lokeren in a play-off tie. The club is currently facing backlash from fans, who are furiously protesting a controversial name change from Racing White Daring Molenbeek.

Molenbeek’s municipal government also condemned the decision. In a statement, they said:

“If this plan goes ahead, it would mean an unacceptable break with the historical, symbolic and emotional bond that connects this club to our municipality. It also constitutes a direct attack on the honour and reputation of Molenbeek, which this club is contractually obliged to promote.”

The club is owned by American billionaire John Textor, who also holds shares in newly relegated Olympique Lyon and Brazilian side Botafogo. However, he has been forced to sell his stake in Crystal Palace to prevent a potential conflict, as both Palace and Lyon have qualified for next season’s Europa League - which could have led to one being disqualified.

Toure was offered a role in English management back in 2022, but he snubbed the chance to take over as Wigan Athletic boss at the time. Now, three years on, the Ivorian appears ready to take the bull by the horns, so to speak.

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