Kevin Muscat makes his Rangers position clear as next boss klaxon rings out amid skyrocketing Clement pressure
Shanghai Port boss Kevin Muscat has made his position clear on his future amid revived links with Rangers with his contract quirk put to bed.
Philippe Clement is facing massive pressure over his future at Ibrox after the Scottish Cup embarrassment at the hands of Queen's Park – which leaves the Light Blues facing the prospect of a trophyless campaign. Muscat was interviewed for the Rangers hotseat after Michael Beale was axed following two successful seasons with Yokohama F. Marinos - but the decision-makers at Ibrox opted to go with the Belgian.
Since then, Muscat has gone on to lift a league and cup double in China while Clement is once again facing massive pressure over his future in the midst of a horror campaign. The Australian had initially penned a one-year-deal in Shanghai with several outlets in China reporting the club held an option to extend his £1.6m-per-year deal by a further year.
That left Rangers fans hoping that a deal could be struck with Muscat - but going into the new Chinese Super League season he remains in the dugout and is fully focused on the new campaign. The club have two AFC Champions League clashes just around the corner as Muscat takes his side to Japan to face Vissel Kobe before facing his old side Yokohama.
The champions will then begin their title defence against Peng CIty on February 23. Going into the new season, he made it clear his focus was on his current club - and that a new deal had been triggered. Muscat said: "It's nice to be back training. The off-season has been fruitful for us.
"We have managed to take nearly the full group away for a three-week training camp, and with a shorter than normal preparation time we are ready. Our principles and idea of football is what we believe in.
"This will remain constant on our journey. We want to give players the chance to attack at every opportunity. We will strive to put as much pressure on the opponent as possible because this is what we believe in."
Speaking to Australian radio show 'The Rush Hour', Muscat also hinted that he was content to stay in China: "The first time the club have finished with a double in the league and cup, in the same season. So things are going really good."
