Aussie’s resignation opens door for Kewell’s shock managerial return as Ange effect looms large

Celtic assistant coach Harry Kewell could be in line for a return to management after J1 League side Yokohama F. Marinos confirmed the departure of Kevin Muscat.

Muscat will leave Yokohama after two-and-a-half years in the role, with his last game as manager to take place in the AFC Champions League against Shandong Taishan next Wednesday.

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The former Melbourne Victory boss took over from Ange Postecoglou in 2021 and led Yokohama to the J1 League title in 2022 as well as the its first-ever Japanese Super Cup in February this year.

Muscat penned an emotional statement confirming his exit, claiming it was “not easy to leave the Marinos family” and thanked the club for creating “wonderful memories” that he will “cherish for a long time.”

Although his departure is imminent, there are no whispers regarding Muscat’s next move and the two roles he was heavily linked with at Millwall and Rangers have since been filled.

But one report in Japan claims the vacancy in Yokohama won’t last very long.

According to Japanese outlet Sponichi, Kewell is set to replace Muscat and negotiations are “progressing smoothly.”

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Should Kewell get the role, it would be the third-straight Australian appointment at Yokohama and yet another glowing endorsement of the impact Postecoglou had at the club.

Kewell has been out of a head coaching role since 2021, with his most recent gig