'He'll be successful' - PL boss backs 'Outstanding' manager amid links to Rangers to replace Clement

Kevin Muscat is expected to be a success in Europe amid links to replacing Philippe Clement at Rangers, according to Ange Postecoglou.

The former Celtic boss told ESPN on 9 November he has “no doubt” about his fellow Australian doing well “if and when” he decides to manage in Europe, after winning titles in his home country, Japan, and most recently China with Shanghai Port.

According to ESPN the “hardman” former Gers defender has “frequently been touted” for a return to Ibrox as manager, as well as another former side in Millwall, and Postecoglou has backed him to do well if he does.

The Tottenham manager said: “I’ve got no doubt [Muscat would be a success in Europe]. With a lot of things, it’s about what experience teaches you.

“Musky probably understands that better now: that it’s not just about taking that opportunity. You’ve got to make sure it’s the right one for [you]. I think he’s got enough runs on the board now where he can be fairly selective about what he does next and I think that’s the most important thing.

“I’ve got no doubt if and when he gets over across the Europe, he’ll be successful. People are very dismissive of success that doesn’t occur in their own backyard, particularly here in Europe. They’re very Eurocentric.

“But winning a title in Asia is just as difficult as winning a title in Holland, in Belgium, or anywhere else. And he’s got a track record of success now in three countries. No doubt that can transfer here…

“We stay in pretty regular contact. He’s been brilliant, he’s done an outstanding job. He’s really challenged himself. It would have been very easy for him to stay in Japan. I know he probably would have some fantastic opportunities to stay there, but the nature of the person he is, he wanted to challenge himself again.

“And he’s gone to China. [China’s] not easy, it’s not an easy League, it’s a very competitive league. And for him to win another trophy [is outstanding] and he’s still got the Cup final as well.”

Ange Postecoglou backs potential Rangers candidate

Muscat was in the frame for the Ibrox job when Michael Beale was sacked a year ago while still in charge of Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan.

His Chinese title win since then as the wheels have come off for Clement in Glasgow might suggest that the Gers board made the wrong decision to bring in the Belgian.

But the Light Blues boss’ record also has three title wins on it from his time in Belgium with Genk and Club Brugge, which he looked very much like adding to for the first few months of his reign in Govan.

The difference between the authority figure who lifted fortunes at Ibrox almost immediately, and the one who is making increasingly outlandish claims of progress after defeats this season is night and day.

So how much of the problem is a failing on his part and how much is what the Rangers job currently does to a new manager every season is up for debate.

If the club’s fractured hierarchy were to make a change at this point there is now a decent amount of evidence to suggest that Muscat might be the one clinging on to his job in Glasgow in a year’s time.

If he could follow in the footsteps of Postecoglou but on the other side of the Old Firm divide he would clearly be an ideal candidate, but the club look to be set to stick with Clement for the foreseeable future.

Although he has been tipped for the sack if he fails to defend the League Cup against Celtic on 15 December, there has been at least some indication that those making the decision are looking far more long term [BBC Sport, 1 November].

In other Rangers news, James Tavernier is leaving the club if Clement stays.

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