J. League first-division leaders Yokohama F. Marinos said Tuesday they have agreed a new contract with manager Kevin Muscat to remain in charge of the club next year for his third season at the club.
The 49-year-old Australian, who has been at the helm since the summer of 2021, has led Marinos to the brink of the J1 title this year with two games left in his first full season in the Japanese top flight.
Known as an uncompromising defender during his playing days with the Australian national team and clubs including Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Millwall, Muscat has instituted a fast-paced, attacking style of soccer at Nissan Stadium.
He previously managed Australian side Melbourne Victory and had a short stint with Belgian top-flight club Sint-Truiden before arriving in Yokohama, where he came recommended for the job by his predecessor, fellow countryman Ange Postecoglou, who led F. Marinos to the J1 crown in 2019.
F. Marinos finished runners-up to Kawasaki Frontale in Muscat's first year in charge. They lead the two-time defending champions by two points heading into the penultimate round of the season.