In a bold move that has made waves across the football world, Irish legend Robbie Keane has been named head coach of Ferencvaros, as the club aims for its sixth consecutive Hungarian League title and a deeper run in the Europa League.
Announced on Monday, the 40-year-old will officially take up his duties at the team’s winter training camp in Spain, replacing Pascal Jansen, who left the Budapest club after just a few weeks in the role. Jansen, former assistant at AZ Alkmaar, left after a difficult start to the season.
Keane’s first test as a manager will come in the Europa League match against Eintracht Frankfurt on January 23. The Hungarian giants are currently well positioned to progress in the tournament, looking to secure a place in the knockout rounds by finishing in the top 24 in the 36-team group stage.
With ambitions set on domestic and European success, Ferencvaros return to action in February, currently in second position in the Hungarian League, lagging behind Puskas Akademia.
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This marks Keane’s return to the managerial scene following a stint with Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he led the team to Israeli League glory in its debut season, under tumultuous conditions due to security concerns following to the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas.
Prior to this latest chapter, Keane also held assistant coaching roles with the Republic of Ireland national team, Middlesbrough and Leeds United. His playing record is equally impressive, boasting a record 146 caps and 68 goals for Ireland, as well as a stellar club career including spells at Tottenham, Inter Milan, Liverpool, Leeds and LA Galaxy .
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