The incoming boss has a clear philosophy that has led him to titles across the globe
19:28, 17 Oct 2025Updated 19:41, 17 Oct 2025
Rangers – Latest News From Ibrox
Kevin Muscat has given the Rangers decision-makers a major insight into his demands before he even steps in the door.
And it could mark a number significant changes from Russell Martin disastrous 17-game stint in the dugout.
Record Sport revealed Muscat has broadly agreed a deal to replace Russell Martin with Steven Smith taking charge of Saturday’s clash with Dundee United.
And having lifted league titles in Australia, Japan and China – with Shanghai Port on the brink of another crown – Muscat has some big demands for the players and the owners.
And in interview with the Chinese City News Service, Muscat laid out his five unshakeable principles that he takes into his dressing rooms.
He declared that: “Character is important. I’d go as far as saying I look for character before talent.”
That has been a criticism that has been thrown at the current squad after Russell Martin’s summer recruitment drive – with the boss questioning the character and “mentality” of the squad on several occasions.
It seems like Muscat will quickly restructure the dressing room – if he sees fit.
And he wants to entertain the punters – which was highlighted by his sides flying 4-3 win over Qingdao on Friday morning to keep his side top of the table.
He declared: “Winning is the outcome of performance. Performance comes before winning, so we train to perform.
“And many things come before performance. So our process is very clear that everything is performance-based.”
Martin was also criticised for rigidly sticking to his football principles during a tenure that returned just one Premiership victory.
Despite believing in an attacking style, the incoming boss admitted he was open to change: The moment you stop to learn is the moment you stand still, and then the moment you stand still, somebody takes you over. I’m a student. I’m always learning. I’m always open.”
Rangers’ Nicolas Raskin (R) with head coach Russell Martin(Image: SNS Group)
Martin clashed with star man Nicolas Raskin with former Ibrox coach Neil McCann – who is expected to take charge of Rangers on an interim basis while they await Muscat’s arrival – revealing the Belgian international would question the management team.
Muscat appears to be open to that, stating the dressing room “can’t be an environment where everybody’s scared to talk, or scared to ask a question, or scared to disagree. I remove sensitivity. I’m not too sensitive a person.”
And former Rangers Treble-winner Muscat would instantly demand “commitment” from the squad.
He said: “Motivation starts for me with commitment. A commitment to what we try to do.
“A commitment to our football, a commitment to the club, a commitment to the fans, a commitment to your teammates. Of course, there has to be a direction from somebody. I think commitment is more powerful than motivation.”