Ex-Victory mentor Kevin Muscat to coach Chinese Super League club Shanghai Port

He had been linked with a move to England, but former Melbourne Victory and Yokohama F. Marinos coach Kevin Muscat is instead heading to the Chinese Super League.

Kevin Muscat will take charge of Chinese Super League club Shanghai Port. Picture: Minh Hoang/Getty Images

Former Melbourne Victory mentor Kevin Muscat will continue his coaching career in China following his departure from Japanese club Yokohama F, Marinos.

Despite having been linked to the job at English Championship club Sunderland, Muscat has been announced as the new coach of Shanghai Port, who won this year’s Chinese Super League title.

Muscat replaces Spaniard Javier Pereira, who left the club after just nine months in charge despite having led Shanghai Port to championship glory.

Coach Kevin Muscat (right) celebrates with Anderson Lopes in his final game in charge of Yokohama F. Marinos. Picture: JIJI Press / AFP

Shanghai Port’s captain is 32-year-old former Chelsea star, Brazilian midfielder Oscar, while a former player at the club was ex-Socceroo and the now retired Aaron Mooy.

Muscat’s final game in charge of Marinos was a 3-0 AFC Champions League win over Chinese club Shandong Taishan.

The victory secured Marinos top spot in Group G and a berth in the knockout stages.

Muscat led the Yokohama club to the 2022 J1 League title and second place this year.

Another former Socceroo, Harry Kewell, has been linked to the Marinos coaching job, which has also been previously held by current Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou.