The Shanghai Port boss has an agreement in place to replace Russell Martin in the Ibrox hot seat
Incoming Rangers boss Kevin Muscat has spoken for the first time since all-but landing the Ibrox job – and has made clear he’s right up for a title fight with Shanghai Port.
Record Sport revealed that the Australian has won the race to replace Russell Martin in the Ibrox dugout with a broad agreement now in place over a multi-year contract.
The Glasgow giants are now locked in talks with Port over a compensation fee with the 52-year-old under contract in the Chinese Super League until December 2026.
As it stands, It’s unlikely that Muscat will be allowed to leave the defending Chinese champions before the end of the campaign on November 22 with the club involved in a title battle.
Under-19 coach Steven Smith be in the Rangers dugout for the clash with Dundee United this weekend – while Neil McCann in the frame to step into the dugout on an interim basis until Muscat arrives, before taking up a role in his coaching team.
And speaking for the first time since terms were agreed, Muscat is keeping his focus on keeping the Super League crown in Shanghai.
Muscat’s side face off against relegation threatened Qingdao Hainiu, and he is refusing to shy away from the challenge he currently faces and the “importance” of the title fight.
He said: “After the last AFC Champions League match, we had a break, and we used this time to review and summarise the previous games.
“The players, coaching staff, and staff had a short vacation with their families. After the break, the players worked very hard, giving a lot both mentally and physically.
“They did a great job in every training session and responded well to all the challenges in training. We are aware of the importance of the game and hope to play a wonderful game to face it.”
Muscat refused to compare the two sides based on league position, adding: “I’m not sure how to compare.
“It’s difficult to compare the performances of different teams in the standings against us, but what I can say is that the most important thing is our own performance.
“We will show responsibility and be relied upon. This is what I have been emphasising since I joined the team.
“Our own performance is the most important. It should be said that every game is not easy. We have to make sure we do well and play the way we should.
“This is our main focus tomorrow and what we will do our best to perform.”
About the Author
