Robbie Keane wins first trophy of managerial career

The 43-year-old landed his first piece of silverware as a manager as his Maccabi Tel Aviv side won the Toto Cup on Wednesday night. 

In front of 14,000 fans, Maccabi Tel Aviv faced rivals Maccabi Hafia in the cup final where Tel Aviv won 4-2 on penalties after the match finished 0-0 in 90 minutes. 

Keane’s side converted four straight spot kicks as Hafia failed to score from their first two as Tel Aviv defender Derrick Luckassen scored the crucial penalty to seal cup success for the Irishman. 

Speaking to the media after the game, Keane stated he was ‘happy’ for his players to win the cup final. 

“Obviously I’m happy, for the players for the hard work they’ve put in since the day I’ve walked in the building.

So, I’m happy for them, I see how much they want it, they are desperate to succeed, so it’s a good feeling for them (to win the cup)”. 

When asked about defeating their rivals Hafia in the final, Keane replied, “It’s always important to beat the team that have been champions for three years, who have won a lot of stuff.

Psychological for the players, they know they can beat them. I think that is a bigger plus for me so I’m happy for that”. 

The former Irish captain was appointed manager of the Israeli side last summer after his short stint on the backroom staff at Leeds United with Sam Allardyce came to end after Premier League relegation was confirmed.

Former Irish international teammate Rory Delap also joined as Keane’s assistant manager. 

Out of 31 games in charge so far, he was won 23 which has included impressive victories in the Europa Conference League against Gent as Tel Aviv topped their group to reach the knockout stage along with clubs such as Aston Villa. 

After 18 matches, Maccabi Tel Aviv currently sit top of the Israeli Premier League, one point ahead of rivals Maccabi Hafia.