Rodgers prepared for Muscat arrival through revolving managerial door at Ibrox

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·18. Oktober 2025

Rodgers prepared for Muscat arrival through revolving managerial door at Ibrox

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says the team will be prepared to face theRangers should Kevin Muscat take over from Russell Martin as their new boss at the latest club playing out of Ibrox…

Head coach Kevin Vincent Muscat of Shanghai Port F.C. reacts during the AFC Champions League Elite 2025-26 East Region Group Stage match between Shanghai Port and Vissel Kobe at Pudong Football Stadium on September 17, 2025 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)

The Australian is expected to sign a lengthy contract with the Ibrox club, though he will complete the season with Shanghai Port which finishes in November before making the move.

OneFootball Videos

Speculation is mounting that it will be BBC Scotland pundit Neil McCann that will step up as interim head coach prior to Muscat’s arrival after the next international break is complete.

Brendan Rodgers, Celtic Glasgow press conference ahead UEFA Europa league match against Crvena zvezda at Rajko Mitic stadium, Belgrade 23.09.2025 Belgrade Rajko Mitic stadium Serbia Photo VM/MN Press

Rodgers said he felt for Martin following his departure, noting that the intensity of managing Celtic or theRangers is unmatched, and that being an English Premier League manager feels far less demanding in comparison.

New Rangers Head Coach Russell Martin ninth dressing room at Ibrox Stadium. Russell Martin unveiled as the new…PhotoIMAGO / Shutterstock

However, the 52-year-old affirmed that his side would be well-equipped to challenge their Glasgow rivals once Muscat takes charge over at Ibrox.

Speaking at yesterday’s media conference at Lennoxtown, Rodgers said: “I don’t know Kevin that well, but we crossed paths a few times. When I was at Liverpool, he came in to train and spent some time with us. We also met in Australia with Ange.”

Ange Postecoglou and Dom McKay. Photo: Jeff Holmes

“He’s done a good job with his teams in Asia. If he’s the new theRangers manager, that’s another challenge for us—but we’ll be ready for it. You’re always disappointed when a manager loses his job, and Russell is no different. It was a challenge, and he’ll learn from it.”

“He’s still young in coaching terms, and I’m sure he’ll take time out, reflect, and come back stronger. Managing at Celtic or theRangers is relentless—you learn a lot about yourself. I wish him all the best.”

Rodgers added: “I think people down south often don’t realise the intensity and scale of Celtic and theRangers. I’ve said before: this job is right up there in terms of pressure and what’s required in terms of resilience.”

“I’ve managed at different levels in the Premier League—promoted clubs, mid-table, and top teams—and this is right up there. It’s a huge challenge, especially for any manager coming in. You just hope you can meet that pressure and succeed.”

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, signed copies by Danny McGrain available from celticstarbooks.com

Don’t miss the chance to purchase the late, great Celtic historian David Potter’s final book. All remaining copies have been signed by the legendary Celtic captain Danny McGrain PLUS you’ll also receive a FREE copy of David Potter’s Willie Fernie biography – Putting on the Style, and you’ll only be charged for postage on one book. Order from Celtic Star Books HERE.

Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books