A real bombshell on the coaching market is about to shake the Hungarian Ferencvaros just days before the decisive Europa League rematch against the Bulgarian champion Ludogorets. According to information from the Island, the coach of the “Fruits“ Robbie Keane is rumored to be making a sensational return to the Premier League, which calls into question his future in Budapest just before the key clash on Thursday, Gong.bg reported.
The main source of the news is the authoritative British media talkSPORT, which claims that London's Crystal Palace has identified the Irishman as an immediate replacement for Oliver Glazner. The Austrian's position at the “Eagles“ became critical after a series of poor results and public clashes with the club's management over transfer policy. The tension reached its peak after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Bosnian side Žrinski in the Conference League last Thursday, which effectively sealed Glazner's fate. In England, Robbie Keane is said to be the most desirable name among the bosses in the Paddock due to the offensive style he imposed in Hungary and his good knowledge of the Premier League.
Although the Ferencváros management have no intention of parting ways with their coach at this crucial stage of the season, an offer from the English elite would be too much of a temptation for the legendary goalscorer. The Hungarian champions are likely to demand a significant penalty for their coach, whom they see as a key figure in their long-term project. However, the situation is extremely delicate for the “green-whites”, as the Irishman currently has to build a strategy for the rematch with the Razgrad team. We recall that in the first meeting in Razgrad, the Bulgarian champion took a 2:1 lead after a lot of fighting on the pitch. Before the match, the Ludogorets coach even showed a sense of humor by joining in cleaning the snowy pitch and remarking that “there is more snow here than in the Arctic Circle“.
All eyes are now on Budapest and London, as the next few hours will be decisive for who will lead Ferencváros on Thursday night. The battle for a place in the round of 16 in the Europa League promises to be electrifying, but the question of whether Robbie Keane will be on the touchline or has already taken over the Premier League remains open. The winner of this pair will continue their European campaign, while the loser's dreams of a trophy in Europe will end.