Reports indicate that Kevin Muscat is set to be appointed as the new head coach of Rangers, following the exits of both Danny Röhl and former boss, Steven Gerrard from the race. The appointment would come almost two weeks after the sacking of former boss Russell Martin, who was dismissed following a disappointing draw away to Falkirk.
Muscat is currently in charge of Chinese Super League leaders Shanghai Port, who sit top of the table with four games remaining. The Australian has already claimed the 2024 league title in China, adding to previous domestic and continental success in Japan with Yokohama F. Marinos and in Australia with Melbourne Victory.
However, with Shanghai’s title race set to go down to the wire, Rangers may need to wait for Muscat’s arrival. Port’s final fixture is scheduled for November 22, more than a month away, during which time Rangers face both SK Brann and AS Roma in the Europa League, five Premiership fixtures, and a huge Premier Sports Cup semi-final Old Firm clash against Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic at Hampden.
Muscat’s style of play has proven effective in Scottish football before. The former Rangers right-back, who both worked under and later succeeded compatriot Ange Postecoglou at various stages of his career, favours an aggressive, front-foot approach. His no-nonsense mentality would represent a stark contrast to the more laissez-faire style of the outgoing Martin.
A proven winner as both a player and a manager, Muscat knows what success at Ibrox looks like, he was part of Alex McLeish’s treble-winning Rangers side in 2003.
If, and for now it remains an if, Muscat is appointed, here are some of the potential winners and losers at Ibrox.
Winners
Neil McCann
The former Rangers winger and Muscat’s ex-teammate is expected to be appointed as assistant head coach should the Australian take charge. McCann was part of Barry Ferguson’s interim staff last season following the departure of Philippe Clement and appeared to be leaving Ibrox for good in June.
A return alongside Muscat would mark a significant step back into full-time coaching for the former Scotland international, whose last full-time post within the game came with Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2021.
Clinton Nsiala & Rabbi Matondo
Two players frozen out under Martin could be given fresh starts. Both possess the pace, power, and in the latter’s case, directness that fit neatly into Muscat’s attacking philosophy, one built on width, intensity, and aggressive pressing.
Nsiala’s athleticism at the back and Matondo’s transitional speed could thrive in a system that demands energy and purpose in both directions. While Nsiala is raw, there is a lot to build on with the right coach, and he has the attributes in defence that would work well under Muscat, whilst for Matondo, this could be a stroke of luck that hands a player well out of the picture, and out of the fans favour, a final chance to prove he has what it takes in a style of play that suits him – could he be our version of Celtic’s Daizen Maeda in this new style?
The Strike Force
Rangers’ forwards, Yousef Chermiti, Bojan Miovski, and even Danilo in the earlier matches of the season, have often fed off scraps this season, with chance creation and xG worryingly low under Martin.
Muscat’s sides are known for high tempo attacking play, creating overloads in wide areas and flooding the box with runners. That approach could finally unlock Rangers’ frontline and bring a much-needed spark to an attack that has looked blunt for months.
Miovski in particular could thrive on the cut-backs from the byline that Muscat’s style reciprocates, whilst both £8m man Chermiti and Danilo are crying out for service that will see them break goal ducks.
Jack Butland
Despite rediscovering top form, Butland has frequently been left exposed by an inconsistent defence. A more structured and disciplined setup under Muscat should help ease the pressure on the former England goalkeeper, providing greater organisation in front of him and allowing his shot-stopping to shine within a more stable framework in front of him.
The Rangers Support
After months of frustration and flat performances, Muscat’s appointment would energise the fractured and discontented fanbase. His hard-edged personality, attacking intent, and understanding of what it means to represent Rangers could restore a sense of identity and direction to a squad that has looked lost in recent weeks.
Losers
Joe Rothwell
The marquee signing of Martin’s midfield and his most trusted lieutenant, Rothwell has struggled to make a consistent impact since arriving at Ibrox and could find opportunities even harder to come by under Muscat.
The Australian’s system prioritises high tempo, vertical passing and relentless energy, traits not naturally aligned with Rothwell’s more measured, possession-based style. Unless he can quickly adapt to a more aggressive midfield structure, his game time could be limited.
Rothwell however, did show some promise during his time at Leeds that he could drive forward and break lines, as well as some slight upturn in performances during Martin’s dying days from the bench – post Falkirk he even bit back at Martin’s ‘anxiety’ claims, showing he may have some bit required for the Ibrox threshold’s challenges.
Max Aarons
Another Bournemouth man who has failed to convince, Aarons could see his position come under scrutiny with Muscat’s arrival. The new boss demands full-backs who bomb forward and contribute heavily in attack, much like his sides at Yokohama F. Marinos and Melbourne Victory. Aarons has yet to show the dynamic, overlapping qualities required in that system, and with the returning Dujon Sterling capable of fitting Muscat’s profile, and even the aging James Tavernier showing more natural ability to get forward even on the decline, the former Norwich man may find himself further on the periphery.
Brendan Rodgers
While not inside Ibrox walls, Rodgers may be one of the indirect losers if Muscat takes charge. The Celtic manager has yet to face a Rangers side with a defined identity this season, but that could change quickly. Muscat’s teams are aggressive, fearless, and confrontational, much like his own playing days, and a revitalised Rangers under his leadership would pose a far sterner challenge in the Premiership title race, but interim boss Stevie Smith, and the rumoured to be incoming McCann, who would take charge until Muscat’s arrival, need to keep Gers heads above water and not any further behind in the race than they already are after Martin’s disastrous start. Celtic fans are unhappy, Rangers need to give them a reason to allow that to spill over and create some more chaos in the East End.