The sporting director of Ferencvaros has spoken out amid reports of manager Robbie Keane moving to Celtic. He offers fresh hope to supporters who are hoping that the Irishman will succeed Martin O'Neill.
The sporting manager, Judit Berkesi, said to Sportemberk:
"What’s in the media about [Keane] is always one thing. Of course, we talk about this, and he also openly and honestly tells us what the reality is in these cases. The other thing is that it’s completely normal when someone does such a good job as he does.
The performance we have delivered in international matches this year is special, [it is] somewhat normal that such a personality, with a great football career as a player in the most advanced or strongest league in the world, and now choosing a different coaching career, moving out of his comfort zone.
Already did a good and effective job under difficult circumstances at Maccabi. He also entered a difficult situation with us, because in January, when you don’t have much time to form your team or implement the playing style, playing philosophy that you want, and he solved that well.
This is actually the club’s merit in this respect, that we are already at a point where we can sell not only players well in certain cases, but also head coaches in the last two cases. And it is certain that this possibility may also exist with Robbie in certain cases, despite the fact that he feels very good here, can really work in very good conditions, receives all the support that is possible, and the coaches can appreciate this as well.
So this is the situation for now. The search for a coach should always be ongoing. But there is no current interest right now. So this is the situation for now. The search for a coach should always be ongoing. But there is no current interest right now."
Could he take over?
Keane is currently the frontrunner when it comes to taking over in the Parkhead dugout. There have been many names over recent weeks, with Roberto Martinez and Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou also being considered for the role.
Keane has only been at Ferencvaros for 14 months, but could opt for a move to the Hoops. He has earned respect for his team's performances, and supporters would be eager to see how he would perform in Glasgow.
Whoever takes over, we can all hope that they will be backed in the transfer window. Celtic are already keeping an eye on multiple targets, including a young striker, and it's going to be an exciting time.