Kevin Muscat during last week’s clash with Urawa Red Diamonds.Credit:Getty
They were always going to be big shoes to fill,but Muscat,49,has built on the sturdy platform left by his old boss,carrying on the blueprint of ultra-attacking possession football while adding his own tweaks. He now has a piece of silverware and a landmark achievement that could open doors for his coaching career.
But it didn’t come easy. Saturday’s 3-1 win over Andres Iniesta’s Vissel Kobe ended a nervy few weeks for Yokohama,who have been streets ahead of the rest of the J.League this season but faltered in the final stages of the championship race.
“It’s a little bit surreal. I’m just really proud. I think if there’s an overriding emotion,it’s pride;not only[in] the result but the way we played. The way we won was tremendous,” Muscat said.
“For us personally,we’ve been focusing on creating moments – through challenges,creating moments – and today,the moment that we created also created history. These guys will go down in history as one group that won the trophy for Marinos.”
Kevin Muscat and Ange Postecoglou at Melbourne Victory in 2013.Credit:Justin McManus
Marinos had a seemingly insurmountable eight-point lead over second-placed Kawasaki Frontale a month ago,but back-to-back losses to relegation candidates Gamba Osaka and Jubilo Iwata saw them surrender two prior opportunities to clinch the title and raised fears of an almighty choke.
But last weekend’s 4-1 home thumping of Urawa Red Diamonds got them back on track,and set up a simple equation:a draw or better against Vissel Kobe at Noevir Stadium,in the last game of their campaign,would secure the trophy.