Melbourne Victory have officially unveiled favourite son Kevin Muscat as their new head coach, effectively promoting from within as the former player and assistant coach takes over at the A-League club.
Muscat was confirmed as Ange Postecoglou’s successor on Thursday morning as club chairman Anthony Di Pietro announced that the 40-year-old had been awarded a two-year contract that will see him take Victory through this season and the next.
“Over the past three weeks, the challenges we’ve had have been well documented but through adversity comes opportunity and often leaders emerge to guide the ship forward and Kevin is that person,” Di Pietro said.
“We believe he is a worthy leader, he’s served his coaching apprenticeship, much of which has been under the best coach in the land and we’ve got great faith in Kevin and wish him well.”
The former Victory hard man, who also had stints in England with Millwall, Wolves and Crystal Palace, was outspoken in the belief that he has what it takes to thrive in the high pressure job.
“I certainly believe I’m ready for it, I’ve been at the club for ten years now and I’m well aware of the beast I’m about to ride,” Muscat said.
“I understand it’s a great challenge but as I said I’ve been here for long enough to realise what’s expected at this football club and I daresay that I’m going to try to achieve that.”
Despite noncommittal replies in the past when asked about his aspirations for the top job, Muscat reassured all present that he was as ready as could be.
“I suppose I’ve been asked a couple of times at this football club whether I’ve been ready to take on the mantle, and I can honestly say that I answered none of them,” he said.
“When the question was poised to me this time, the answer was yes.
“I believe I’ve got the tools to take the club and the football team forward, so I’m really looking forward to it.
“I realise being head coach of this football club is a position of privilege and so I intend to act accordingly.”
Muscat was also quick to pay homage to his mentor and new Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou as he looks to make his own mark at the club he has called home since 2005.
“I’d like to go on record saying that I wish Ange all the best, and good luck,” he said.
“He’s got a massive job ahead of him and he’s certainly put me in the position I’m in today and therefore I’m grateful for the learning experience he’s given me over the last 18 months.”
Victory chairman Anthony Di Pietro was asked if the club saw Muscat as a long term solution and wasted no time in backing the new head coach.
“I was asked yesterday about the favourite son romance but history won’t change,’ he said.
“Kevin will be the favourite son from his playing days, it’s been written and it won’t change.
“But the future, he’s got a blank sheet and a pen and he can then write the script himself.
“We’ve given him the opportunity to write that, and we look forward to and hope that this is a long term relationship.”
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