AliousKevin Muscat could consider himself unfortunate for not securing the Rangers managerial position before Philippe Clement stepped into the role.
The Australian tactician has been carving out an impressive reputation in Asia, first shining in Australia’s A-League, then clinching titles in Japan, and currently thriving in China.
Following Michael Beale’s dismissal, Rangers held discussions with Muscat, a fiery ex-midfielder who had a stint at Ibrox during the 2002/03 season.
However, the club opted for Clement—despite Graeme Souness pushing for Frank Lampard—leaving Muscat to eventually take the helm at Shanghai Port.
Muscat’s tenure in China has been remarkable, guiding Shanghai Port to a historic double last season. Yet, his aspirations for Champions League glory were dashed, leaving him disappointed.
Still, his recent remarks about the paramount importance of winning are likely to reignite interest among some Rangers supporters who envision him as the club’s 20th permanent manager.
In a clash against his former team, Yokohama F Marinos, in the Asian Champions League, Muscat’s Shanghai Port suffered a heavy 5-1 aggregate defeat across two legs.
Muscat had previously succeeded Ange Postecoglou at Yokohama, steering them to a championship in 2022 before the club came under Steve Holland’s leadership.
Despite the loss, Muscat’s influence lingered, evident in the warm exchanges with players he once coached in Japan.
Speaking to Reuters before the second leg, which ended in a 4-1 defeat, Muscat emphasized his relentless drive to win: “In over 30 years as a professional, I’ve come to realize there’s only one thing that counts.
Right now, every ounce of my effort goes into equipping the players with what they need to succeed on the pitch. Winning titles is ingrained in me—it’s part of who I am.
While tomorrow’s result won’t settle that, consistent performances over time are what bring silverware.
I’m here focusing solely on delivering a victory.”
Meanwhile, former Rangers captain Craig Moore, a staunch advocate for Muscat, believes the window for his ex-teammate to lead Rangers has closed.
Moore revealed that Muscat underwent two interviews with the club before Clement’s appointment and was crushed to miss out.
“He saw it as a golden chance, but he’s now excelling in China, and that opportunity has slipped away,” Moore told the Daily Record in September 2024.
Muscat, who inked a new contract with Shanghai Port over the summer, remains a sought-after name for prestigious roles across Europe.
Even so, he retains a strong following among Rangers fans as the club weighs its managerial options ahead of a permanent summer appointment. That said, Barry Ferguson isn’t faring too poorly in the Rangers hot seat himself.
Alious
