Ex-Leeds United, Liverpool, Celtic and Wolves striker leaves managerial role after winning title
The former Leeds United frontman has confirmed his decision.
Former Leeds United striker Robbie Keane has confirmed his exit from Maccabi Tel Aviv after just one season in charge.
Keane took on the role last summer and guided Tel Aviv to the Israeli Premier League at the first attempt, finishing 11 points clear of second-placed Maccabi Haifa. The Republic of Ireland international also beat his closest challengers in the League Cup, via a penalty shoot-out, to claim a domestic double and progressed to the last-16 of the Europa Conference League.
But the 43-year-old has come under increasing scrutiny for working in Israel, given the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Keane’s departure from Tel Aviv was confirmed on Thursday but the Irish Independent reports that the decision was made before the league title was secured, having been eventually confirmed this week.
In a statement posted by the Irish Independent, Keane said: “It has been a tough decision for me to leave Maccabi Tel Aviv FC. I would like to thank all the players, coaches, owners and especially the fans for making this an unforgettable season.
“I am very proud of everything we have achieved together as a team and, of course, most proud of the hard work and dedication which resulted in us winning the league and Toto Cup (League Cup) thus guaranteeing Maccabi a Champions League spot next season. To finish my first season with two trophies is very special for me and my staff. I wish everyone involved at the club all the best for the season ahead.”
Upon confirming Keane’s exit, Tel Aviv owner Mitch Goldhar added: "I wish to thank Robbie and all his staff, Rory Delap, Dave Sarachan, Mike Stowell and Phillip Hudson for their hard work and dedication throughout this season in helping to bring the championship back to Maccabi.
"Robbie and his staff faithfully fulfilled their duties under difficult circumstances for which I am and will always be grateful. Robbie, the club and fans will always be connected through the challenging and successful 2023/24 campaign."
The role was Keane’s second in management, with the former Leeds, Wolves, Tottenham and Liverpool man lasting just under three months in charge of Indian outfit ATK as player-manager. The Dublin-born forward spent 18 months as a player at Elland Road, having initially joined on loan from Serie A side Inter Milan in January 2001.
Over a season-and-a-half, he scored 19 goals in 56 appearances across all competitions as part of the young side that enjoyed an excellent run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2001. He was sold to Tottenham in the summer of 2002 and went on to play for Liverpool, Celtic, West Ham United, LA Galaxy and Aston Villa before finishing his playing career at ATK.
Keane made a brief return to Elland Road last season, having joined the club as part of Sam Allardyce’s coaching staff during a desperate four-game survival attempt that ultimately failed. He had previously been among the coaching staff at Middlesbrough and the Republic of Ireland.