Luis Enrique reveals surprise about coach Yaya Toure before Champions League showdown

Parc des Princes will host a special reunion on Wednesday. Luis Enrique, the Paris Saint-Germain manager, spoke about Yaya Toure, the Ivorian legend now coaching Slovan Bratislava, before their Champions League opener. Luis Enrique recalled Toure's time at Barcelona: "When he was a player at Barcelona, I was coaching the youth teams and then the reserve side. He was a top-class player. And he has gained experience as an assistant coach." According to Foot Mercato, Enrique also said: "Slovan is his first experience. I saw a team that likes to have possession of the ball. He is drawing on his experience from Barcelona and Manchester City." Enrique then asked whether Toure would show the same attacking tendency or lean more towards defence. That question shows the PSG coach does not treat Slovan as a simple opponent. The Parisian coach also stressed that every match is complicated. He wants his team to press as much as possible. Playing at home gives PSG an advantage, but Slovan have their own identity. Yaya Toure learned from Barcelona's control-based style and Manchester City's more direct approach. Slovan may not choose to defend deep. If they try to keep the ball against PSG, they will accept a high risk. PSG are strong in pressing and quick in transition. The spaces behind Slovan's defence could be dangerous. This match is also a test for Toure as a young coach. He once played on the biggest European stage. Now he returns as a manager with a less-fancied team. The pressure is real, but so is the opportunity. Toure understands that pure defence may not be enough. His playing career suggests he will not easily abandon his principles. The match may be more open than many people expect. Luis Enrique has already prepared for that possibility.