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3 months ago
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Robbie Keane is targeting a quick return to management after the former Tottenham star opted to end his successful spell in charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Keane had taken over as manager of the Israeli Premier League side last June, signing a two-year deal.
The 44-year-old was appointed after Maccabi Tel Aviv had finished third the previous season, finishing 10 points behind champions Maccabi Haifa.
It marked Keane's first permanent managerial position, having briefly taken temporary charge of Indian Super League side ATK for three games in 2018.
Keane had worked as assistant manager under Mick McCarthy with the Republic of Ireland, before taking on the same role at Middlesbrough and Leeds.
Robbie Keane is targeting a swift return to management after leaving Maccabi Tel Aviv
Former Tottenham star Keane was appointed as Maccabi Tel Aviv boss last year
The former Premier League striker led Maccabi Tel Aviv to their first title since 2020, ending Maccabi Haifa's run of three consecutive Israeli Premier League triumphs.
Keane's side finished seven points clear, winning the league with two rounds of matches to spare, while Maccabi Tel-Aviv also lifted the Toto Cup in January.
The former Tottenham and Liverpool forward's record of 2.30 points per game currently ranks as the highest of the current managers out of work.
Keane also guided Maccabi Tel-Aviv to the last-16 of the Europa Conference League, eventually suffering a 7-5 defeat after extra-time to the competition's eventual winners Olympiacos.
The success came despite Keane and his coaching staff having been forced to shelter in a panic room, before escaping Israel via Greece, in the aftermath of the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7 last year.
Keane and his staff had worked remotely during the suspension of domestic football, before returning at the start of December.
Following a single season in charge, Keane requested that his option to extend his deal for a second year was not exercised.
'It has been a tough decision for me to leave Maccabi Tel Aviv FC,' Keane said in a statement last month. 'I would like to thank the Owner, all the players, coaches and the fans for making this an unforgettable season.
Keane led the club to their first Israeli Premier League title since 2020 with two games to spare
Maccabi Tel Aviv issued a thank you message to Keane and his staff after his departure
Keane had requested for the option to extend his deal for a second year not to be exercised
'I am very proud of everything we have achieved together as a team and most proud of the hard work and dedication which resulted in winning the Championship and Toto cup.
'Wishing everyone involved at the club all the best for the Champions League and season ahead.'
Maccabi’s owner Mitch Goldhar had praised Keane and his staff for 'faithfully fulfilling their duties under difficult circumstances' and said they would 'always be connected through the challenging and successful 2023/24 campaign.'
Keane's coaching staff of Rory Delap, Dave Sarachan, Mike Stowell and Phillip Hudson also decided to leave the club with the former Republic of Ireland international.
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