Kevin Muscat is being floated as a potential Rangers managerial candidate again with Philippe Clement being told he is “under huge pressure”.
But the Light Blues may already have their answer from the former Ibrox defender after previously snubbing the Australian in favour of bringing in the Belgian. After Michael Beale was shown the door in October last year, then Yokohama F. Marinos manager Muscat emerged as one of the frontrunners to step into the host seat with the Scottish Premiership giants after winning the J-League in 2022 and finishing second in 2023.
Despite speaking to Rangers chiefs at the time, they opted to give the job to Clement – who is now facing increased scrutiny in the wake of defeat to Kilmarnock that leaves the Light Blues six points off Celtic and Aberdeen at the top of the table. In contrast, Muscat took over at Shanghai Port in China after leaving Yokohama – with the club battling for the Super League title andthe Chinese FA Cup Final to look forward to next month.
With the domestic season in China set to end in December, some fans have called for Rangers to make their move for the boss. But former teammate Craig Moore ruled out the prospect of a move for Muscat to Govan just last month.
Musca’s close ally told Go Radio: “He had two interviews at the time and he lost out and he was devastated to lose out at the time to Philippe Clement. He thought it was a great opportunity for him and it would have been a great job but Kevin now is doing a great job in China and that ship has well and truly sailed.”
Speculation over Clement’s future comes with the odds tumbling that he will be shown the door by Christmas – and former Gers’ striker Ross McCormack reckons there is a host of reasons the boss is facing increased scrutiny. He told the BBC’s Scottish Football podcast: “He has got to be under huge pressure.
“If you go back to the end of last season they were favourites to win the league, they were ahead and they blew it. It’s as simple as that. The start to the season hasn’t been great, OK they are in the Europa League but it hasn’t been ideal.
“Celtic have got a set way of playing, they have got an identity, I don’t see anything like that with Rangers. He touched on it as well, pushing Tavernier up into right midfield doesn’t suit him.
“Taverner is much better when has grass in front of him and come into the game, not when you give him the ball and he’s got someone up his backside. It just looks a little bit like when it’s not going well then manager wants to put square pegs in round holes.”
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