‘Never say never’ – Robbie Keane refuses to rule out managing European giants

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Robbie Keane has left the door open for a future return to Celtic as manager, but insists he’s happy at Ferencvaros.The former Republic of Ireland striker has been head coach at the Hungarian side since the beginning of the year.Keane has won two league titles at two different clubs as a manager so farGettyKeane won the league title in his first season at the club and qualified for the Europa League, in which they’re currently unbeaten in sixth.His managerial adventure followed an incredible playing career with spells at clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.The 45-year-old also scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for Celtic, who were keen on appointing him as their successor to Brendan Rodgers.Wilfried Nancy has since taken charge at Celtic Park, but it’s clear that Keane would be interested in becoming their manager one day.When asked about such an appointment before Ferencvaros take on Rangers in the Europa League, he replied: “Listen, you can never say never in football. “Of course you don’t know, but I’m one of those guys that I never think too far ahead. I have to concentrate on what I do. “Because you take your eye off the ball here and then you start losing games, and you lose your job. “So, never say never, of course but at the moment, I’m very, very happy here. As I said before to your colleague, it’s a fantastic club. “I think you’ve seen, the stadium is amazing, the training ground is great, the fans are incredible fans. “A bit like the Celtic fans in terms of how loud they are and stuff, they’re really passionate about their team.”Keane was asked about the prospect of managing Celtic, and didn’t rule it outGettyHe joined Celtic on loan from Spurs in 2010GettyKeane’s career on the touchline so farTwo years after his retirement in 2016, Keane joined Indian Super League side ATK as a player-manager.He then had assistant manager spells with the Ireland national team and Middlesbrough, as well as his former club Leeds United.A move to Israeli Premier League outfit Maccabi Tel Aviv followed in June 2023, with whom he won the title and national cup.Keane left after one season and later moved to Ferencvaros, where he has won 33 of his 54 matches in charge.They lifted their seventh consecutive league title during his debut campaign, taking their total tally to a Hungarian record of 36.Ferencvaros will move a step close to the Europa League last 16 with a win over Rangers later today.