The former England manager joined Maccabi as a coaching consultant. He was reportedly persuaded to join Maccabi by a generous 30-day rollover contract which allows him the flexibility to leave if he receives a good managerial offer.

McClaren said: “It’s a pleasure to start working with Jordi Cryuff at his new role as coach at Maccabi from his previous one as Sports Director.

“I have huge respect for such a well-known club both in Israel and in Europe and I intend to help Jordi and the players achieve success for the fans.”

Maccabi owner Mitch Goldhar described McClaren as “having a wealth of knowledge and is vastly experienced at the highest levels of European football”.

Mr Goldhar commented: “We are delighted to add a person of his calibre to our staff on a coaching consultant role as we are all sure he can contribute to Maccabi Tel Aviv.”

But while he Maccabi website featured comments from McClaren and Goldhar, Cruyff has yet to comment. The two men who know each other from Manchester United in the 1990’s were seen laughing together during coaching sessions this week.

But there is speculation that McClaren will replace the Dutchman if results do not improve after Maccabi’s 3-0 home defeat to Beitar Jerusalem in the season’s opening game.

Cruyff is reportedly unhappy about the lack of summer recruits with only Englishman Nick Blackman, who played under McClaren before he was sacked by Derby in March, brought in so far.

Blackman said: “Maccabi is a fantastic club with a fantastic manager and I’m delighted to be here.”