Ange Postecoglou once raved about manager linked with Rangers after Russell Martin sack
Russell Martin’s sacking as Rangers manager on Sunday has left Andrew Cavenagh with the task of appointing a manager.
Rangers are in deep trouble, sitting eighth in the Scottish Premiership and in need of someone to steady the ship.
Cavenagh is facing pressure from Rangers fans, and he knows that the mistake to appoint Martin cannot be repeated.
Former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou was once full of praise for one managerial candidate who could come to Ibrox.
Kevin Muscat one of the favourites to become Rangers manager
Kevin Muscat is one of the frontrunners for the Rangers job, yet Steven Gerrard and Danny Rohl are also considered to be well in the race.
Muscat has been linked with Rangers on numerous occasions over the past 12 months.
Speaking to ESPN in November 2024, Postecoglou was full of praise for his fellow Australian’s abilities as a manager.
He said: “I’ve got no doubt Muscat would be a success in Europe.
“I think he’s got enough runs on the board now where he can be fairly selective about what he does next, and I think that’s the most important thing. I’ve got no doubt that if and when he gets across Europe, he’ll be successful.”
“When we started working together at Melbourne Victory, you just saw that he’s got a real passion for learning and improving.”
The former Rangers defender played under Postecoglou when he was 17, and his footballing philosophy is similar.
Muscat spent the 2002-03 season at Ibrox, whilst also playing across the United Kingdom at Crystal Palace, Wolves, and Millwall.
Muscat’s managerial CV:
- Melbourne Victory: 2012-2019
- Sint-Truiden: 2020
- Yokohama F. Marinos: 2021-2023
- Shangai Port: 2023-
Currently at Shanghai Port, the 52-year-old is on course to win the Chinese Super League for the second season in a row.
Muscat was throroughly considered by Rangers in the summer, before going for Martin eventually.
However, with fans set on a dream return for Gerrard, an appointment for Muscat would be met with mixed reactions.
Having not achieved managerial success in Europe, it would represent a huge risk for Cavenagh to take.
Kevin Muscat wouldn’t be a smart appointment for Rangers
Like all managers, there are pros and cons to the appointment of Muscat.
Not only does he have nowhere near the amount of experience at a high level compared to other candidates, such as Gerrard, Rohl, Derek McInnes, or Sean Dyche, but his style of football could be concerning.
Whilst Rangers would love to have a coach who plays high pressing football, his defensive record at Shanghai Port is similar to Martin’s numbers this season.
His side have conceded 38 goals in 26 league matches, and if Rangers want to achieve greater defensive stability, then Muscat might not be the smartest appointment.
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