Scotland’s Steve Clarke debate

It is undeniable that Steve Clarke has enjoyed great success since he was appointed Scotland manager back in 2019. 

Getting to Euro 2020 and leading his side to their best World Cup qualifying campaign since 1998 has to be commended.  

However, poor results in some big matches and a lack of tactical adaptability have led many to question Steve Clarke’s credentials as Scotland manager. 

These concerns gathered real pace after a deflating World Cup play off loss to Ukraine but it is fair to say the warning signs have been there for a while. 

Despite qualifying for Euro 2020, Scotland’s performance at last summer’s tournament was somewhat disappointing. Granted, the goalless draw with England at Wembley was well deserved and nothing could be done about the quality of the Croatia side that won 3-1 at Hampden but the 2-0 home defeat to the Czech Republic in the opening game was unsettling. 

Playing in front of their own supporters in their first major tournament in 22 years, you would fancy Scotland to deliver but they would cease to do so. 

For one of the first times in his Scotland tenure, Steve Clarke arguably got the team selection wrong. 

The absence of Kieran Tierney on the left hand side displayed how vital his relationship with Andy Robertson is for the way Scotland play. 

Despite this clear void, Clarke has endured to implement the system built to get his two best players on the pitch and linking well together as recently as the 4-1 win over Armenia in June. 

It simply doesn’t make sense to continue to play football in a way which was manufactured to suit a duo of players when one or the other isn’t on the pitch. 

Moreover, playing a system consisting of three centre backs when this is one of the weakest areas in the Scotland team seems a tad illogical. 

All of the above, the fifty eight year old has received great criticism for but the transformation and new found confidence he’s brought upon the Scotland national team has been remarkable. 

I am not one for managers to dwell on their past glories but Steve Clarke has created a real bond and team spirit amongst his Scotland side as well as a rich vein of pride among the Tartan Army in the national team. 

It seems the players truly believe in their manager but to progress in football, sometimes harsh decisions have to be made. 

A 4-1 win over an Armenia side who finished the match with nine men eased pressure on Steve Clarke after losses to Ukraine and Ireland caused a lot of fans to get on his back. 

However, I believe we have to get behind Clarke for at least the final three games of the current Nations League campaign. 

If things aren’t going to plan by then, maybe a change in the dugout could be the right way to go before European Championships qualifying begins.