Kevin Muscat’s Shanghai Port blueprint for Rangers fans – Defensive blunders and attacking delight
Rangers fans have lots to look forward to in the coming months.
Kevin Muscat’s imminent Rangers arrival means the Gers can get back to chasing silverware this season, despite such a poor start under Russell Martin.
After the news that the Australian coach is headed for Glasgow soon emerged, Muscat has had nothing but praise ahead of the switch from his Chinese side, Shanghai Port.
Muscat is to see out his remaining league games in charge of the Chinese outfit, as Ibrox News takes a detailed look at the statistics and tactics on Shanghai Port’s latest game against Qingdao Hainiu.
Kevin Muscat will take risks at Rangers with style of play
Shanghai Port won 4-3 away at Qingdao Hainiu on 17 October in what was the first of four remaining league games Muscat has in charge of the side.
Muscat has opted for various formations during his time at the club, but opted to play 3-4-2-1 in his table-topping side’s game on Friday.
The manager likes to keep his side fluid with the ball, and so he always shakes things up to stay fresh and unpredictable.
| Preferred | Formations |
| 1. | 4-2-3-1 |
| 2. | 4-1-4-1 |
| 3. | 4-3-3 |
Regardless of the formation, Muscat seemed to push his team (white strip) extremely high up the field when in possession, often leaving centre-backs as far forward as the halfway line, as seen in the image below.
Muscat had a heavy emphasis on full-backs/wing-backs getting forward and creating goalscoring opportunities, as he demanded numerous players to be inside the box when chances arrived, taking risks defensively.
With that, Shanghai were then left exposed when it came to Qingdao Hainiu breaking on the counterattack.
As shown in the next image, Muscat’s 3-4-2-1 formation was almost unrecognisable for Qingdao Hainiu’s opening goal, as the scorer took full advantage of the gaping gaps in Shanghai Port’s defence.
After the game’s conclusion, more stats emerged showcasing exactly what Rangers fans can expect.
Muscat’s side is aggressive in possession
Under Martin, Rangers liked to have a lot of the ball, but didn’t do much with it.
Muscat likes his teams to be aggressive in possession, and Shanghai Port’s game showed this in abundance in their latest game.
| Team | Possession | Total shots | Big chances created |
| Shanghai Port | 56% | 8 | 3 |
| Qingdao Hainiu | 44% | 4 | 2 |
The first half saw Muscat’s side look to create when they had the ball, which worked in their favour, despite being away from home, as they went into the second half 3-2 up.
In the second 45, the goals fizzled out as Muscat adapted his side’s intensity, and showed his genius game management to see the win out, extending Shanghai Port’s position at the top of the league.
Everything is adding up, and Muscat looks to be a shrewd acquisition by Rangers if they get the deal over the line.
Rangers fans have lots to be excited about with Muscat
Muscat is a serial winner and is closing in on his third league trophy with Shanghai Port.
Not only that, but he has also won the league with previous clubs in Japan with Yokohama F. Marinos and Australia with Melbourne Victory.
Muscat’s accolades as a head coach:
- Three trophies with Shanghai Port
- Two trophies with Yokohama F. Marinos
- Three trophies with Melbourne Victory
Although Muscat’s setup with Shanghai can be questioned at times, there’s no doubt that he will have better players to use at Ibrox.
Muscat is clearly adaptable and does what it takes to win, and when he arrives at Ibrox, it will be no messing about as Rangers fans can look forward to dominating once again.
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