Kevin Muscat will take charge of Japanese club Yokohama F.Marinos for the first time on Friday night and has no regrets over his short-lived stint in charge of Belgian side Sint-Truidense.
The former Melbourne Victory boss was confirmed as Ange Postecoglou's successor at Marinos last month but has only just been cleared to join the team following a mandatory quarantine period.
Muscat has been without a club since parting ways with Sint-Truidense after just 15 games in December 2020.
The 47-year-old only managed to win two of his games in charge of the Belgian side as he struggled to make the transition from the A-League to Europe.
While Muscat's time in Belgium didn't go to plan, he believes he's now in a much better position to lead Marinos forward following the difficult experience.
“I’m much better for that experience. Did everything go to plan? Naturally not," Muscat told Optus Sport.
"Without doubt that period of time, I went into the unknown. That period holds me in good stead, I believe I’m a better all-round manager and coach than I was before taking that job.
"The club (Marinos) has got Ange’s fingerprints all over it, especially with the way they play. It’s an absolute testament to the foundations he has built.
“No two people are exactly alike but there are clear synergies in the way we appreciate football. It holds me in good stead.”
Marinos have won their past six games in the J-League to sit second and face Gamba Osaka away from home on Friday night in Muscat's debut match with kick-off at 8pm (AEST).
Osaka are currently sitting 13th but have won three straight games and finished second in the league last season.
While Muscat might be dreaming of silverware in Japan, his focus for now is simply taking it one match at a time.
“The talk is about winning the next football game. And then the next one. That creates its own pressure. We must aim to win every game possible and see where it takes us," he said.
“We’ll give it everything. We find ourselves in a reasonably good position. At some point, if you stand still you’ll get passed by, so we’ll work hard and evolve.
"The level of professionalism at the club has really impressed me. I’m excited."
You can watch the J-League encounter between Gamba Osaka and Yokohama F.Marinos live on Optus Sport.