But he was determined to go again – in Europe or any other good league that presents an opportunity – and take the lessons he has learnt from his time in Belgium.
"It was unfortunate and disappointing the way it finished up,"a reflective Muscat toldThe Age andSydney Morning Herald.
"A couple of wins instead of draws,a few chances taken,some decisions going our way that didn't,a few more points and it might have been different.
"But you have to accept the decisions made by the club's owners and move on. Could I have turned it'round with more time? I like to think so,but they made their decision.
"I am planning to stay in Europe and take a break and recharge,take stock and see what might be available.
"It's not easy. These jobs are all hard to get,and when you do get the chance it's usually because the situation is difficult – they wouldn't have sacked the previous coach if they were not in trouble,so you need things to go your way then too.
"But I have been in the game all my life and coaching is something I have been involved with since I stopped playing and the more you do it,the different places you work,the more you learn."