Kevin Muscat on difficult Shanghai situation after Rangers KO as Danny Rohl future hint

Kevin Muscat says Shanghai Port face a difficult period after a Rangers move collapsed, while Barry Ferguson hints Danny Rohl may stay.

Shanghai Port boss Kevin Muscat concedes the club are in the midst of a “difficult situation” just months after the collapse of a move to Rangers.. The Australian emerged as the clear frontrunner to replace Russell Martin in October after positive discussions with owner Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe of 49ers Enterprises.. But the deal fell apart amid growing concerns from inside Ibrox over the arrival timeline of the boss – despite Muscat agreeing a

deal in principle to replace Russell Martin in the vacant hot seat.. The 52-year-old had been expected to see out the Chinese Super League season in the midst of a title fight – which would have seen him unable to leave the Far East until November 22.. Less than 24 hours after the decision to not pursue Muscat, Danny Rohl was named as the new head coach.. Muscat then went on to win his second

consecutive league title in China.. However, this season has not gone to plan for the defending champions.. Port were hit with a seven-point deduction as punishments were handed out by authorities as a result of an investigation into football-related gambling and match manipulation.. The 13 teams that were involved in the investigation were also been fined between £21,000 and £104,000 (200,000 and one million yuan) – leading to Shanghai cutting their playing budget for the

new season.. The club are languishing in 12th spot this term and just three points above the relegation zone following last weekend’s draw with Beijing Guoan.. After the match Muscat conceded: “We have a lot to process.. Both teams worked incredibly hard and played a thrilling and exciting match, ultimately securing a crucial point away from home, one that will be vital for our future.. “I don’t want to elaborate too much, lest it be

seen as making excuses or justifications, as if the current situation is caused by other factors.. “We have many young players on the field who performed exceptionally well in such a difficult situation and were willing to shoulder significant responsibility.. “I feel very proud that the young players and veterans have worked together to turn the tide in difficult situations, and I believe the fans share this feeling.” Rohl is facing major scrutiny over his

future after plummeting out of the title race with three defeats from three in the Premiership post-split fixtures.. Defeat to Celtic on Sunday leaves the Light Blues’ languishing in third spot and starting at Conference League football next term.. But legendary Ibrox skipper Barry Ferguson reckons the German’s previous comments have dropped a strong hint that chairman Cavenagh will show faith in the gaffer next season.. Ferguson said on Go Radio: “I listened to his

presser before the Celtic game and he was looking ahead to next season and where he wants to strengthen.. So I don’t see a reason why he wouldn’t be there.. “I know there’s been talk about Wolfsburg being interested but we just need to wait and see over the next week or so.. “Certainly he’s going to come under a bit of criticism and pressure with three bad defeats.. “I said a few weeks ago

I was pretty confident Rangers would be in with a good shout but they’ve not been able to handle the situation very well.”

Kevin Muscat, Shanghai Port, Rangers, Danny Rohl, Russell Martin, Barry Ferguson, football betting investigation