Kevin Muscat's career has taken an unexpected turn after a career of blood, sweat, and tears, all of which were caused by the man himself. He is now the manager of a Japanese club owned by Manchester City.
Muscat was never afraid to make a crunching tackle.
Kevin Muscat may not have won the most trophies in the Premier League, but the tough-tackling defender is a player who will be remembered for a long time by any football fan. And, as things stand, he may return to the dugout in the future.
The former Australia international is known for being one of the dirtiest players of all time, bringing the concept of digging in to new heights. He received 123 yellow cards and was sent off 12 times during his career, which does not paint the full picture of how violent he could be.
After accusing him of stamping on him, former Birmingham City player Martin Grainger dubbed him "the most despised guy in football." Muscat, on the other hand, has altered his ways since hanging up his boots and is currently the manager of Yokohoma FM, the top team in the Japanese J-League. And, in order to accomplish such a huge feat, one would assume he has tempered his fierce demeanor.
Kevin Muscat of Millwall tackles West Ham's Nigel Reo-Coker.
The City Football Group, the umbrella group of clubs founded up by Manchester City's owners, owns Yokohoma. MLS teams New York City and Melbourne City, as well as lesser-known clubs like Deportivo Maldonado, are among their other more well-known clubs.
"I want to be involved in teams that play a certain brand of football," he told AFP about his management style. "That may contradict what most people perceive about my playing days." In terms of coaching, management, and team play, I'm attempting to carve out my own path. I'm afraid that's all I can do."
And, given that he was once sued for a tackle, his ability to overcome the nastiness of his footballing nature will undoubtedly have played a key role in his achievements. In 1998, after a horrific challenge on Matty Holmes, the former Charlton Athletic player feared he might have to have his leg amputated. Fortunately, the hospital was able to save the Englishman's limb after four procedures, and he was awarded a £250,000 court settlement as a result.
A-League-Rd-11—Victory-v-Roar.
Throughout his career, Muscat was dispatched on a number of occasions.
Muscat was not just a demon on the football field because of his aggressive tackles, but also because of his methods. It was reported that while at Millwall, the former full-back would pretend to be the referee and blow the whistle to stop the game and confuse his opponents.
"Muscat had the coolest thing, he used to be able to do a fake whistle," former Lions midfielder Peter Sweeney said on the Under the Cosh podcast. When players got close to the goal, he'd blow this whistle that sounded like the referee's whistle.
Players would just come to a halt and then kick the ball away, prompting the referee to inquire, "What is going on here?" Mussy (Muscat) would then rush after the ball and pass it. It lasted roughly a month and a half. People were racing through on goal and then simply handing the ball back to the keeper, as if thinking to themselves, "Oh crap, offside again!"
It would be interesting to watch how Muscat does in management and whether his J-League team can maintain their strong record. However, now that he has figured out how to keep a lid on his shenanigans, the 48-year-old may be able to land a role in Europe in the future.
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