Boss Kevin Muscat‘s assistant Vincenzo Ierardo insists the focus of the gaffer remains on Shanghai Port – despite revived speculation over a move to Rangers.
The Australian missed out on the Ibrox hot seat last year after Michael Beale was shown the door and held talks with the Scottish Premiership giants after winning the J-League in 2022 and finishing second in 2023 Yokohama F. Marinos. However, the club opted to go for Philippe Clement who is facing persistent questions over his long-term future at the club – with the latest blow to the Belgian coming after Dundee United took a point away from Govan to end Rangers‘ perfect home record this season.
It has been a very different story for Muscat who has followed up his Super League title victory by claiming the Chinese FA Cup with a 3-1 win over Shandong Taishan just hours before the Light Blues’ meek draw with United. But it appears there is still more to achieve.
Lieutenant Ierardo noted that focus immediately shifts to the Asian Champions League – with Shanghai set to face Korean side Ulsan on Tuesday. There are still four matchdays of the competition to complete – as a minimum – for Muscat’s men.
Ierardo posted to X after the FA Cup win: “Fantastic end to domestic season winning the double. both CSL & CFA Cup! Massive thanks to Kevin Muscat, Ross Aloisi and Greg King!
“Amazing staff to work with and even better human beings! Now we re-focus on the Asian Champions League in a few days time!”
While Muscat is flying in China, Clement is facing huge pressure at Ibrox with hopes of lifting the Premiership title rapidly fading. And former Gers’ man Rory Loy has taken aim at some of the bold claims from the Belgian so far this term, telling BBC Sportsound: “Clement always comes out and says his side dominated the game.
“If that’s his opinion then it’s his opinion, but there’s a fine line between defending your players and pulling the wool over the eyes of supporters. He constantly says he’s signing young players who take time to adapt.
“Cerny is 27, Bajrami is 25, Propper is 31, Diomande is 23. Okay, Barron is younger, but these are facts. How can you say this and expect people to buy into it? It’s just not true.”
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