Kevin Muscat takes a Victory training session last week. Source: HeraldSun
LESS than three years after retiring, Melbourne Victory legend Kevin Muscat has been officially unveiled as the new coach ahead of his official debut against former mentor Ernie Merrick's Wellington Phoenix on Monday.
Despite a speedy transition from captain to assistant coach, to head coach, Muscat says he's ready for the challenger and has "all the tools" to take the club forward.
"I certainly believe I'm ready for it. I've been here for 10-years now. It's a challenge but I've been here for long enough to know what's expected at this football club," Muscat said at his unveiling on Thursday morning.
"I believe I've got the tools to take this club forward."
Muscat has signed until the end of the 2014-15 season, replacing Ange Postecoglou who was headhunted for the Socceroos position.
Victory's highly-rated youth coach Darren Davies, who has worked with the senior squad on almost daily, has been promoted to become Muscat's chief assistant.
And former South Melbourne and New Zealand striker Vaughan Coveny will step up from youth team assistant to head coach, although Davies will remain heavily involved with the youth team.
Contrary to speculation on Wednesday, former South Melbourne and Auckland Kingz NSL coach Mike Petersen won't be joining Victory's coaching staff.
Victory's board is understood to have interviewed Muscat over the weekend while the last few days have been spent nutting out the terms of the contract.
He spent two years as playing-assistant under Merrick before working with Mehmet Durakovic and Jim Magilton before Postecoglou's arrival.
Muscat, who is completing his FFA/AFC Pro License, told the Herald Sun last Sunday that his 18-month apprenticeship under Postecoglou has prepared him for the head role.
"It's OK having a philosophy and clear vision but another implementing it and he (Ange) has certainly taught all the staff what's required in (terms of) their roles and responsibilities. And the club stands in a much healthier position than when he arrived," Muscat said.
"I think I'm in a clear space now in terms of what's required to run a football club and the amount of time and thinking and how detailed he is on everything that goes on in this place, he was aware of everything.
"Right across the board I've got a clear idea and a clear picture of what it takes to get the best out of people and implement a style and I'm very grateful to him for that.
"I've been here from day one, 18 months with Ange, been there all the way through implementing this philosophy. I understand it inside out and if the club believe they want to carry on this journey I do believe I'm best placed to take the job and take this club forward.
"There's a certain hunger and fire in the belly that I know what it's gonna take to carry on the mantra that Ange has left behind."
Monday's Etihad Stadium clash against Wellington kicks off at 7.30pm.
31 Oct, 2013
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Source: http://www.news.com.au/national/melbourne-victory-unveil-former-skipper-kevin-muscat-as-new-coach-on-two-year-deal/story-e6frfkp9-1226749896745?from=public_rss
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