Ferencvaros sporting director Judit Berkesi has addressed growing speculation surrounding Robbie Keane’s future as reports continue to link him with a possible summer move to Celtic…
The former Ireland international was recently highlighted by The Guardian as one of the leading contenders to take over the managerial position at Celtic, with Martin O’Neill’s temporary spell in charge expected to conclude at the end of the season.
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Wales boss Craig Bellamy and Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou have also been mentioned among the potential candidates.
Speaking about the situation, Berkesi commended Keane for the work he has carried out since arriving in Hungary, outlining the progress made by the team in both domestic competitions and in the Europa League.
Speaking via SportEmberk, Berkesi said: “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 [Europa League] matches this year is special, 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 [Tel Aviv].
“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 and philosophy that you want, 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.”
Berkesi added: “And it is certain that this possibility may also exist with Robbie in certain cases, even though 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. But, keeping an open mind, thinking and discussing certain things within the management, that is part of our job, but we hope that Robbie will stay with us for a very long time.”
Conor Spence
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Stay in Budapest.
Not giving the managerial role, much consideration at present, as got far bigger obstacles to overcome at present.
However, still think MoN will have a role to play in the background, during the summer imo?
Also Maloney and fozzy will possibly be involved within the coaching and background managerial team, for any new potential manager imo?
Where we are going to be, in forming a new core group within our squad building process, remains at anyone’s guess at this stage?
Yet it still has to be given some consideration, even at this stage behind the scenes.
Regardless, with potentially reduced numbers for ourselves, within an overcrowded squad at present, there is still some amount of sorting out, in order for the squad building process to start beginning again.
Thought I’m expecting massively reduced squad numbers to what is currently in place for ourselves.
Don’t believe that any potential manager is walking into nothing available to himself either imo?
Expecting huge changes in personal during the summer, as in what degree?
Haven’t a clue, but keeping MoN involved in some capacity, could be most beneficial for ourselves imo?