Aussie coach Kevin Muscat’s return to Scottish powerhouse Glasgow Rangers.as their new coach is off.
It was widely believed the former Rangers defender would be installed as successor to Russell Martin, who departed after the 1-1 draw at Falkirk on October 5.
There was speculation as to when Shanghai Port boss Muscat would move to Glasgow if he was appointed, as his side are bidding for the Chinese Super League title with the final games next month.
The former Socceroos hardman had been expected to finish the China campaign, which ends on November 22, before departing for Rangers, where he won a domestic treble as a player in 2002-2003 and has previously been overlooked for the top job.
Reports in Britain indicate talks between the two parties reached an advanced stage and Rangers were prepared to make a significant commitment to get Muscat.
However, the move is now believed to be off as the prospect of a delayed start to his reign made the practicalities of an appointment unworkable to all parties.
Former Rangers defender Kevin Muscat’s long-awaited managerial return collapses, leaving fans disappointed after weeks of speculation
Muscat’s (pictured second from right during his playing days with Rangers) Shanghai Port commitments in China clashed with the Rangers’ timeline
Had he been appointed, Muscat, 52, would have been the most high-profile Australian men’s coach in Europe, following Ange Postecoglou’s sacking at Nottingham Forest.
The Rangers job appeared a golden opportunity for Muscat to make his mark in Europe, having bounced back thoroughly from a short, ill-fated stint at Belgian club Sint-Truiden in 2019-20.
Throughout his coaching career, Muscat has consistently had to, and successfully managed to, step out from Postecoglou’s shadow.
He succeeded Postecoglou first at Melbourne Victory, then later Yokohama F. Marinos.
Arguably unfairly, Muscat has had to shake off criticism that he inherited those teams from Postecoglou – despite enjoying success with a different game style and fresh recruits.
After finishing his playing days at the Victory, Muscat started his coaching career as Postecoglou’s assistant there.
He took the reins after Postecoglou took the Socceroos job and carved out a coaching legacy at the Victory, winning two A-League grand finals, a premiership and an FFA Cup before quitting in May 2019.
After his short Belgian stint, Muscat was appointed manager of Marinos in July 2021, replacing Postecoglou.
Muscat, 52, was poised to become Europe’s highest-profile Australian coach, following Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal at Nottingham Forest
Muscat finished second in his first year at the helm in Japan, then won the league in 2022, before departing in December 2023 to make the switch to China.
Muscat was sounded out for the Socceroos head coach role following Graham Arnold’s departure, but chose to focus on his club football, with Tony Popovic ultimately appointed.
Rangers are aiming to name a new boss in the coming days.They have been talking with several managers but time is of the essence if a new face is to be in the technical area for the Europa League tie with Brann in Norway on Thursday night.
After his short Belgian stint, Muscat was appointed manager of Marinos in July 2021, replacing Postecoglou.
Muscat finished second in his first year at the helm in Japan, then won the league in 2022, before departing in December 2023 to make the switch to China.
Muscat was sounded out for the Socceroos head coach role following Graham Arnold’s departure, but chose to focus on his club football, with Tony Popovic ultimately appointed.
Rangers are aiming to name a new boss in the coming days.They have been talking with several managers but time is of the essence if a new face is to be in the technical area for the Europa League tie with Brann in Norway on Thursday night.
