Roy Keane is Azerbaijan’s first choice to become their new national team manager, reports say.
The Manchester United legend and former Sunderland head coach has not taken the helm of any side since quitting Ipswich Town in 2011.
Keane has been rebuilding his career in the assistant manager roles and has worked alongside Martin O’Neill for Ireland and in his most recent post at Nottingham Forrest.
The 48-year-old has plenty of international experience with five years on Ireland’s coaching team and the Sun claim Keane has held talks with Azerbaijan about taking charge.
Keane is interested after Azerbaijan presented him with an offer, but is conscience his next next needs to be carefully managed.
Azerbaijan have asked for a swift reply from Keane, but fans will surely be shocked to see the link-up, should it happen.
Keane is notoriously unforgiving of anything below top standard and has juggled his coaching career with punditry stints since retiring from playing football.
The Irishman never holds back in his assessment and explained his management style was equally demanding.
‘People say I was very demanding as if I should almost apologise for it, particularly when I’m in a coaching role,’ he said.
‘Brian Clough – you’re on about motivation – he punched me one time. He was upset. It was heated.
‘He punched me. I remember thinking “You’re still a brilliant manager”. I came in the next day and trained.
‘I didn’t text somebody in the media. Or go on Ratsapp.’
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