Former Schalke boss Jens Keller has been surprisingly linked with Norwich City – but will he plot a reunion with Sunderland midfielder Jan Kirchhoff?
Just over three years ago, Jens Keller was plotting a way to mastermind a shock win against Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16. But could the former Schalke coach be trawling through clips of Lucas Akins and David Nugent next season rather than Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo?
The Eastern Daily Press suggests so, with odds tumbling on Keller taking the vacant managerial role at Carrow Road.
Currently in charge of Union Berlin in the German second division, the 46-year-old would certainly be a left-field appointment after recent links with proven Championship managers a la Uwe Rosler, Garry Monk and David Wagner.
However, while he was hardly universally popular at Schalke due to a perceived tactical naivety, Keller led Schalke to third and fourth in the Bundesliga while also progressing to the latter stages of the Champions League on both attempts.
They have not qualified for Europe’s premiere club competition since his October 2014 sacking. He may not have much of a reputation in England but his CV speaks for itself.
And Keller has rather impressive connections too. One of his signings at Schalke would surely prove an invaluable member of his prospective Norwich squad. Injury stricken Bayern Munich prospect Jan Kirchhoff was handed a lifeline by Keller at the Veltins Arena, signing the versatile enforcer on a two-year loan deal in 2013.
Jan the man
And, in a quirk of fate, he could be available again this summer with his contract at Sunderland expiring. Further injuries restricted the German, still just 26, to only five Premier League starts in his full debut season.
But, if fit, he could make a huge impact at Carrow Road. He helped shore up Sunderland’s defence when signing in January last year, playing a major role in yet another great escape.
And with Norwich’s leaky defence costing them a play-off place, his reading of the game and excellent positional sense could have the same galvanising impact in East Anglia.
Though whether Keller would risk a reunion is another matter entirely.
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