Following the news of Brendan Rodgers’ resignation, Celtic have reportedly added Robbie Keane to their shortlist of managerial candidates. The former Leeds United coach joins the likes of Ange Postecoglou as the Bhoys seek a new permanent boss.
It’s been a dramatic week for those at Celtic Park. First losing 3-1 and conceding an eight-point gap to surprise Scottish Premiership leaders Heart, those in Glasgow then received Rodgers’ shock resignation – sparking a managerial search and a brutal statement from majority shareholder Dermot Desmond.
Accusing Rodgers of being “self-serving” and “divisive”, Desmond didn’t hold back. Whether the manager, himself, soon has his own say is now the big question.
In the meantime, the show must go on at Celtic, who have hired veteran manager Martin O’Neill on an interim basis. Keeping the seat warm, O’Neill will be expected to steady the ship as soon as the Old Firm derby against Rangers this week. The Bhoys meet their rivals in the Scottish League Cup semi-final.
The longer their search for a manager goes on, however, the more questions that will be asked at Celtic. So far, names such as Postecoglou and former Borussia Dortmund man Edin Terzic have both been mentioned, with the former a particularly strong candidate thanks to his previous experience in Glasgow.
The Australian could certainly do with a return to Scotland too, following a disastrous 39-day spell at Nottingham Forest. But he’s not the only one on Celtic’s shortlist, with Keane also among the reported options.
The change of style that Robbie Keane would bring to Celtic
As reported by journalist Ben Jacobs, Keane has now made the shortlist at Celtic as they search for their next manager.
The 45-year-old is currently in charge of Hungarian side Ferencvaros and has had previous experience at Maccabi Tel Aviv as well as in an assistant role at Ireland, Middlsbrough and Leeds United.
Some may question Keane’s experience, or more the lack of it, but his style of football is something to keep an eye on. The former Liverpool and Celtic attacker told reporters in 2020 that he likes to play energetic, pressing football, which could finally unlock the Bhoys’ free-scoring talents once again.
Daizen Maeda would arguably benefit the most from the change in style from Rodgers’ slower, possession-based approach. The forward scored 33 goals in all competitions last season, before struggling with just three in 13 in the current campaign.
What’s more, the fact that O’Neill already knows Keane well from his playing days could help his case. The current interim boss once even praised his former forward as “terrific” during his time on the pitch.
Celtic linked with manager who nearly joined Rangers
