‘He Didn’t Expect That’: How His Maccabi Tel Aviv Spell Affected Robbie Keane

Tiktaknu, 10.6 / Sport1 Robbie Keane had been a candidate for the Celtic managerial job for weeks, but it now appears that Martin O’Neill is expected to remain in charge. According to a report in Scotland, one thing did surprise the former Maccabi Tel Aviv coach during the saga, the extent of opposition from some fans to his appointment.

Journalist Michael Gannon of Record Sport claimed on the media outlet’s podcast that Keane did not expect the “backlash” that emerged around his candidacy for the job at Parkhead.

“Ultimately, I don’t think he expected the backlash that came from the link to the role so strongly,” Gannon said.

As is known, many fans opposed the Irishman’s appointment because of his previous work at Maccabi Tel Aviv, despite the fact that he removed all traces of his time in Israel from his social media accounts. Others questioned his experience and achievements as a coach, after one season at Maccabi Tel Aviv and a year and a half at Hungarian side Ferencváros.

According to Gannon, Martin O’Neill was the leading candidate all along. “I think Martin had first refusal, and he earned it honestly,” he said, referring to the coach who led Celtic to a double last season and is expected to continue in the role next season as well.

Gannon also claimed that Keane understood his chances of getting the job depended first and foremost on O’Neill’s decision. Despite the talks he held with the club, he does not believe the discussions advanced to a particularly advanced stage.

At the same time, according to the report, Keane is already thinking about the next stop in his coaching career. Gannon said that conversations he has had with figures in England indicate that the Irishman wants a job in the London area, where he spent a significant part of his playing career, mainly with Tottenham.