'Do not be late - that’s one thing I don’t like': Robbie Keane finds voice early in Ferencváros role

KEANE TO GET STARTED: Robbie Keane has made his introduction to the Ferencváros players he’s inherited at their training camp in Spain. Pic: Ferencváros.

Robbie Keane has made his introduction to the Ferencváros players he’s inherited at their training camp in Spain, laying down some early ground rules of engagement.

Ireland’s record caps holder and goalscorer was on Monday confirmed as new manager of the Hungarian champions, in succession to Pascal Jansen, who departed for MLS side New York City on New Year’s Day.

Ferencváros are a point off top spot in the league, with a game in hand, and have two remaining Europa League matches against Eintracht Frankfurt and AZ Alkmaar but they are currently in Murcia while the domestic league takes a winter break.

Keane and his fellow staff members, former Ireland teammate Rory Delap and analyst Phil Hudson, flew from Budapest to Spain after his unveiling where he gave his first address to the playing staff after breakfast on Tuesday morning ahead of their first training session.

They have local friendlies on Friday and next Wednesday during their camp.

“It’s a pleasure to be here and really excited to work with you guys,” he said.

“We’re not here just because the coach left and will just carry on. We’re trying to make things better.

“Just a couple things. Do not be late. That’s one thing I don’t like. All the staff come every day to help you so please respect them.”

As the country’s most decorated club, the minimal expectation at Ferencváros is clinching a seventh successive league title.

Keane spoke to the club’s in-house media about his desire to field an entertaining team but most importantly a winning one as well as the advice he received from Alex Ferguson which helped him accept the role.

“The most important thing for me in a football club is the people, that's the key,” added the 44-year-old.

“Alex Ferguson told me in the summer, don't pick the club, pick the people, and that's important.

“This team, we know we are a good team, but what does a good team mean?

“Can you go out and excite the fans, can you play exciting, energetic football, in the way I like to play?

“I think supporters will enjoy the way my team plays, but we have to do it in every game and that’s the message from me to the players.

“I want to send the fans home happy, that they have come to watch a really good football team.

“My target is always the next game. I know in my head what I want to achieve - and everyone wants to win.

“Once I see the players and see their mentality, if we are on the page, we can push and aim to be better every day.

“But I want to give the fans what they want and that’s exciting football. Hopefully we can get many more fans in and fill the stadium.

“Hungary is a huge footballing country, two million people in the city, one of the biggest clubs in the country - we have to give them good football.”