In the interview, Muscat said, "Success is often measured in terms of trophies, which are timeless, but team spirit should not be overlooked." These words, which came out of an exclusive interview with his compatriot Sasha Pisani, reveal a deep insight into the relationship between championships and team spirit. He firmly believes that there is a moment when you realize that you are shaping a force that transcends match soccer. As a coach, he is undoubtedly a strong opponent in the Super League's title race!
Looking ahead to next year, the Chinese Super League may no longer be just a "two-horse race". Shanghai Harbor is trying to defend its title, while Shandong Taishan is hoping to regain its former glory, not only for the league title, but also for the cup title. Shanghai Shenhua, with a new manager, is also eager to defend its cup title and fight for the league title, leaving no regrets next year. The third-place teams in the Chinese Super League, Zhejiang, Chengdu Rongcheng and Beijing Guoan, are also ambitious and are not willing to be the companion of other teams! The competition in the Chinese Super League will become more and more heated, and the spectacle will be greatly enhanced.
Four teams in the Chinese Super League (CSL) have announced a change of manager, and if Lao Cui fails to get what he wants, then he will have to become a man of honor. These four teams are Shanghai Harbor, Shanghai Shenhua, Wuhan Sanzhen and Henan. Although Dalian people have been relegated, it is still unknown whether they can pass the league access, or even recuperate in the Chinese Super League. Dalian head coach Xie Hui's chances of staying in the team are also slim. Therefore, for the time being, Dalian people are not included in the list of managerial changes. In fact, even if Dalian people stay in the Chinese Super League, its goal is only to fight for relegation.
Wu Jingui led Shanghai Shenhua to win the AFC Cup, but did not get the privilege of exemption from punishment. According to Russian media, former Russian national team head coach Slutsky will take over the position of Shanghai Shenhua coach, both sides have signed a contract, and Slutsky is expected to arrive in Shanghai at the end of December. Wuhan Sanzhen failed to successfully defend their title, and Mian Takabatake will be relieved of his duties. The Daily News reported that Sanzhen is interested in hiring former Jeju United manager Nam Ki-il to take charge of the coaching staff. The Henan club is interested in hiring South Korean coach Choi Yong-soo to lead the team in the Chinese Super League.
Muscat spoke for the first time since joining Seaport, revealing that he had been in contact with other clubs but ultimately chose Seaport and signed a '1+1' year contract. He said: "After an in-depth discussion with the sporting director, general manager and club president, they gave me a detailed account of the club's development over the past four to five years and a clear picture of the plans for the next three to five years. It was a frank and genuine exchange. around November 30th, Harbour sent someone to Japan to talk to me, and the scheduled 60-minute negotiation lasted nearly four hours, where they not only recalled the matches I was involved in, but even mentioned details of the matches I had long forgotten ......"
Muscat further stated that Seaport was very meticulous in their recruitment process, saying, "They initially contacted me through my profile and had an in-depth discussion based on my consistent soccer style. This opportunity gives us a chance to showcase overall soccer." "I am eager to win a new title in a foreign country and play our own style of soccer which will provide us with the best opportunity. Of course, challenges are inevitable, but the greater the challenge, the more we learn. Despite the risks associated with this contract, it is a rare opportunity in my coaching career."
