Robbie Keane insider issues manager plea as Celtic 'frontrunner' details emerge and talks made public
An insider has had his say on Robbie Keane’s future amid Celtic managerial links
Robbie Keane has emerged as a top candidate for the Celtic job in recent weeks and speculation is continuing to circulate surrounding the future of the Ferencváros head coach.
The Irishman was recently named the ‘frontrunner’ to take over at Parkhead this summer over rival candidates such as Wales boss Craig Bellamy and Motherwell’s Jens Berthel Askou. Renowned as a striker in his playing days, Keane previously played for Celtic on a loan spell amid time at clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.
The 45-year-old appeared to indirectly address his future during a recent interview after Hungarian champions Ferencváros were dumped out of the Europa League 4-2 on aggregate by Braga in midweek, suggesting he had already taken the club as far as he can. With a domestic title race to contend with in Hungary, Keane may then move on in the summer.
Ferencváros coach Leandro has had his say on Keane’s future, though – and has urged the Irishman to stay at the club for the long-term.
Insider delivers verdict on Keane amid Celtic links
Leandro, who has been with Ferencváros for more than two decades, said: "I think this is a huge achievement! Not many people would have expected us to reach this level [the Europa League knock-out stage], and after the draw, even fewer would have bet that we would be in the running for a top eight finish in the regular season. It's a shame we didn't have a chance to maintain our home advantage in Braga, but I think overall we can be proud of what we did in the Europa League."
On Keane, he added: "He has a winning character, and this rubs off on the team. Everyone is aware of what kind of career he had as a footballer, and he can convey his experiences very well. Especially on match days, he feels very well when he needs to push the guys or when he needs to talk to them a little calmer. He manages the company very well, which is not easy because there are many of us. I think he is a complex coach, I hope he stays with us for a long time."
Behind-the-scenes Ferencváros talks revealed
Former Hungarian international Leandro is part of Keane’s staff alongside former Aberdeen boss Stephen Glass and revealed all on talks behind the scenes with the in-demand head coach, who he is continuing to learn from.
He said: "You have to learn from everyone, we are here to improve ourselves. We are constantly learning. I try to learn as many useful things as possible from every coach so that I can help the team in the future. I have stored all these tricks in myself. I was like that as a player, I always tried to store everything I heard in training."