Maccabi Tel Aviv is expected to officially announce within the next 24 hours that Kenny Miller will remain the team’s coach. That was not originally the club’s plan, but a series of behind-the-scenes developments pushed the Israeli cup holders toward the Scottish coach.
The club had identified two main candidates for the job, but both bids reportedly fell apart, likely because of the recent war round with Iran. One of the candidates was Mexican coach Efrain Juarez, who chose to join Gyor, the former club of Maccabi’s new sporting director, Steven Van Haren.
Miller arrived in Israel as assistant to Ronny Deila and was promoted to head coach during the season after the Norwegian left. Since the end of last season, he had been a candidate for the permanent role, though he was not the management’s first choice. Still, Maccabi valued his cup triumph over reigning champion Hapoel Be’er Sheva, as well as his familiarity with the squad and the club, and the passing weeks also worked in his favor.
Before receiving the permanent appointment, Miller went through two additional interviews over the summer. He is also aware that Dor Peretz may leave and that Roy Revivo is determined to move abroad. Miller is expected to sign a one-year contract with an option for one more season.
