Brendan Rodgers Welcomes Potential Challenge from Kevin Muscat as New Rangers Manager
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is prepared for the challenge that Kevin Muscat would present if the former Australia defender is appointed as the new head coach of Rangers.
Rangers are reportedly nearing an agreement with Muscat, 52, to become their new head coach, with personal terms and details still in the finalization stage.
The club recently parted ways with previous head coach Russell Martin after just 123 days in charge, prior to the international break. Muscat has emerged as the frontrunner for the position after Steven Gerrard declined the opportunity to return to the Ibrox dugout.
Currently managing Shanghai Port, Muscat is on the verge of securing back-to-back Chinese Super League titles and has previously won league titles in both Australia and Japan with Melbourne Victory and Yokohama F. Marinos, respectively.
Rodgers acknowledged the inevitability of new ideas and perspectives that come with a managerial change. “I think every team that changes manager accepts the challenge of fresh ideas they may bring,” he stated ahead of Celtic's Premiership match against Dundee on Sunday.
While Rodgers admitted he is not closely acquainted with Muscat, he noted that they have met several times as coaches. He reminisced about Celtic's 6-4 defeat to Muscat's Yokohama F. Marinos in July 2023 and recalled their encounters during his time at Liverpool when Muscat visited for training.
“I don’t know Kevin that well, but I came across him a few times when I was at Liverpool,” Rodgers said. “He came in to training when I was manager at Liverpool, and I spent some time with him there. When we traveled to Australia with Liverpool, I also met him and Ange during that time.”
Rodgers concluded, “He’s done a really good job with the teams he’s managed in Asia, and if he becomes the new manager, it will present another challenge. We will be ready for it.”
Martin Faces 'Relentless' Glasgow Pressure
Following his final match in charge of Rangers—a 1-1 draw in the Premiership—Martin required a police escort from Falkirk Stadium and was dismissed just hours later.
Despite this, Rodgers believes that Martin will gain valuable experience from his time in Glasgow and expressed confidence in his ability to rebound from this difficult chapter. “You’re always disappointed when any manager loses his job, and Russell is no exception,” Rodgers commented.
Rodgers added, “It was a challenge he will learn from in his career. He has many years ahead of him as a coach and manager. Managing at Celtic or Rangers comes with relentless pressure, and you discover a lot about yourself in this role.”
He wished Martin well, suggesting that he might take some time away before seeking new opportunities to leverage this experience.