Kevin Muscat Tactics & Style Of Play At Shanghai Port FC 2024/2025 – Tactical Analysis

Shanghai Port succeeded in their goal of becoming Chinese Super League champions in 2023, with Javier Periera guiding his team to silverware at the first attempt.

It marked their first title success since they had put a stop to Guangzhou Evergrande’s famous period of footballing dominance in 2018, but things weren’t as rosy as they may have seemed in Shanghai.

The nature of their early-season play highlighted Shanghai Port’s footballing supremacy.

They stretched their league table advantage to 14 points, with fans seemingly awaiting their team to win the league at a canter.

However, poor form at the business end of the season created a period of unwanted tension for Shanghai Port, with their lead cut down to just four points as the season drew to a close.

Along with an embarrassing defeat in the AFC Champions League qualifying stages, Periera was relieved of his duties and Shanghai Port were left searching for their next great successor.

Following a J1 League triumph with Yokohama F. Marinos, new manager Kevin Muscat has had a profound impact on Shanghai Port. The Australian manager has preserved an unbeaten league record since taking control.

Despite being wary of replicating past successes in a completely new environment, the former Ange Postecoglou disciple has had a positive influence on Chinese football.

This Kevin Muscat tactical analysis will begin to highlight some of the reasons why Kevin Muscat style of play have allowed Shanghai Port to operate in a whole new gear, with their players embracing the refreshing, high-octane football.

Our analysis will cover Shanghai Port’s tactics both in and out of possession, allowing us to pinpoint key reasons why they have been so free-scoring this season.

Kevin Muscat Build-Up Phase

It is no secret that Kevin Muscat has inherited a squad with the ability to challenge at the higher end of Chinese football.

However, the way he has applied critical principles from his time in Japan has made all the difference to a squad that raised questions last season.

With an average age of 26.7, Muscat’s Marinos benefited from rapid attacking sequences, exhibiting a speed of play that captured the attention of fans worldwide.

Despite boasting a significantly older squad in China (with an average age of 30.5 years), Muscat has rejuvenated his team with an equally engaging method of play, while remaining mindful of the physical demands it can bring.

Despite the recent mass departure of star international players from the Chinese Super League, Muscat has been able to craft a style that relieves the overall burden placed upon the likes of star man Oscar.

Over-reliance on just a couple of players came at a detriment to Shanghai Port’s effectiveness as the 2023 season progressed, with their focus now shifting to a more team-centered approach.

Muscat and Shanghai Port have performed incredibly well when playing in the 4-2-3-1 formation.

Their initial distribution prioritises ball retention and the ability to work the ball along the defensive line to relieve pressure.

Muscat’s side is incredibly press-resistant, confidently avoiding hopeful balls and performing intricate on-the-ball manoeuvres to maintain possession. This is further supported by the fact that Shanghai Port ranks last in the Chinese Super League for long passes per 90 (30.89).

The relationship between their double pivot and defensive line is a key reason why they have been so effective in playing out from the back, with Leo Cittadini shown here to drop deeper in order to receive the pass from goalkeeper Junling Yan.

From this position, the defensive midfielder showcases his composure when faced with three Nantong forwards in close proximity.