Former Leeds United hero Robbie Keane claimed a major scalp in his fledgling managerial career as his Ferencvaros side pulled off a famous comeback in the Europa League.
Robbie Keane was a firm favourite during his time as a player at Elland Road, as he joined David O’Leary’s high-flying side in December 2000.
The former Ireland international enjoyed a brief return to Leeds as a coach, working alongside Sam Allardyce during his ill-fated spell as Leeds United manager.
Keane has now embarked on his own managerial career, taking over Hungarian giants Ferencvaros in January 2025.
Now, the former Premier League striker has claimed arguably the biggest victory of his career, as Ferencvaros claimed a dramatic victory over Red Bull Salzburg.
Robbie Keane embarrasses Red Bull Salzburg in the Europa League
Ferencvaros travelled to Salzburg with the odds stacked against them, as they faced part of the Red Bull machine.
Things looked bleak for Keane’s side as Salzburg took the lead after 13 minutes through Edmund Baidoo to give the home side a 1-0 lead at half-time.
However, Keane is beginning to build momentum with Ferencvaros, as they currently sit fourth in the Hungarian league, and their spirit came to the fore in a famous turnaround.
Ferencvaros sealed the victory with a 10-minute smash-and-grab in the second half, as they scored three goals between the 50th and 60th minutes, having also missed a penalty in the first half.
Although Salzburg pulled back a goal in the 72nd minute, Keane’s side clung on for a 3-2 victory, which moves them up to seventh in the Europa League table after three games of the group stage.
Former Leeds United hero reacts to famous Ferencvaros win
Speaking to Hungarian publication Nemzeti Sport after the game, the former Elland Road hero explained how he reacted to his players falling behind in the first half.
According to Keane, he encouraged Barnabas Varga to forget about his missed penalty and told his side to believe in themselves, despite the deficit.
Keane said: “Nothing had to be changed. I saw everything going well all week, and one of the things I get paid to do is find the opponent’s weak points. I knew there would be free spaces, and our players could take advantage of the resulting situations.
Asked how he had reacted at half-time, Keane added: “I pounded the players into the ground… Jokes aside, I was completely calm.
“I also told Barnabás Varga to forget about the missed penalty, he will have more chances, and to continue like this. If you believe in yourself, you will achieve your goal, and the opportunities will come. So I just encouraged the guys.”
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