Kevin Muscat Leads Shanghai Port to Consecutive Chinese Super League Title
Kevin Muscat has clinched the championship for the fifth time in his coaching career. The former Australian international successfully guided Shanghai Port to their second consecutive title last weekend, securing the victory with a 1-0 win against Dalian Yingbo on the final day of the Chinese Super League.
This latest achievement adds to Muscat’s impressive resume, which already includes a J1 League title with Yokohama F Marinos and two A-League Men championships with Melbourne Victory, solidifying his status as one of Australia’s most accomplished coaches. Few Australians have successfully ventured abroad, and even fewer have managed to win silverware in two of Asia’s most competitive leagues.
Last season, Muscat built a formidable attacking team, but 2025 required him to adapt as key players such as Brazilian Oscar and Argentinian Matias Vargas departed before the season began. Furthermore, injuries limited star forward Wu Lei to just six appearances and one goal. These changes denied Muscat the contributions of three players who had scored 56 of the 96 goals for Shanghai in 2024.
Despite this, Muscat’s team still led the league with a total of 72 goals for the season and dominated possession more than all teams except Beijing Guoan. Achieving this title, especially after the tough adjustments, is commendable.
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The celebrations have barely begun to fade when speculation surrounding Muscat’s next move resurfaces. Despite his current contract with Shanghai Port running until the end of 2026 and his assertion that he and his family are content in China, the demands for news and narrative in football persist. Fans are eager to see Muscat take the next step in his career, especially after witnessing the success other Australians have had abroad, such as Ange Postecoglou at Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur.
Muscat, who conquered the league with Melbourne Victory after serving as Postecoglou’s assistant, is keen to push himself further and improve as a coach. He has already been linked to several job openings in the UK, nearly securing the managerial position at Rangers before it was filled by Danny Rohl.
Having played in Europe for nearly a decade and now having proven his capabilities in Asia, Muscat is likely to be more selective when considering his next job. His previous stint at Sint-Truidense in Belgium ended poorly, guiding him to be cautious about the right fit moving forward. He wishes to ensure that his next role aligns with his vision and offers sufficient support.
As he contemplates his next step, the pressure to find an appropriate opportunity will be challenging. The difference between speculation and solid interest can often be vast. Additionally, while Muscat may benefit from his Anglo-Australian background, he still carries a reputation shaped by a physically aggressive playing style earlier in his career, which has made him a controversial figure in the sport.
Muscat was prominent in discussions for the Socceroos managerial position after Graham Arnold announced his resignation. However, with Tony Popovic now leading the national team, Muscat might be a leading candidate for the role once Popovic’s contract concludes after the next World Cup.
Regardless of the path he chooses, Muscat remains in a position of strength, having demonstrated his success repeatedly. Challenges will arise, but his record as a winner holds significant weight in whatever decision he makes next.
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