Image: Scottish Football Association 

Has Steve Clarke got the best out of Scotland?

What has he Achieved in his time as Scotland Manager?

    Since, taking over in 2019, Steve Clarke has got Scotland from playing in a half empty Hampden Park to beating Denmark to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and reconnected the players and the fans and has got the Tartan Army boogieing like never before. He has gotten Scotland to back to back Euros and one World Cup. Prior to this, they did not make a major tournament for 22 year, since France '98. Not only that but he has beaten several tough opponents, such as 2-0 vs Spain and the late comeback away to Norway. 

How did he fix Scotland?

    Steve Clarke has reunited Scotland primarily by making the dressing room a tightly knit knot and had NO room for individuals. This also made the fans believe more in the team and made Scotland as a whole more united. He also picks a pretty similar squad every international window to ensure that there is a consistent, good squad that knows how to work with each other. Additionally, Clarke has got the players, the coaches and the fans, The Tartan Army, all one and it helps make an excellent team in Scotland

How did he Perform at Major Tournaments?

   In the major tournaments that Scotland qualified for, Steve Clarke has not manages to get Scotland into the knockout stages for the first time in history. During the tournaments, their performances have been lacklustre and scared. In the opening game of the 2024 Euros in Germany, they were humbled 5-1 and were off it all game. In the 2026 World Cup, they finished on 3 points and had a goal difference of -3. They lost to Brazil and Morocco and all the goals they let in were preventable. It seems as if there is a fear of failure in the Scotland camp and that is resulting in their performances on the pitch. However, when Scotland play with the handbrake off and get the ball and play without fear, they can pull of unbelievable results and compete with almost anyone on their day. That day does not come often though.

Videos: ITV

How have his tactics affected Scotland's performances?

   Steve Clarke and his tactics especially have impacted Scotland. He sets out in a negative, defensive style that primarily focuses on defense over attack. This may be a wrong choice as Scotland have many top attacking players like Scott McTominay or John McGinn. However, they are hard to break down and maybe should instead of 5 at the back go for a new manager who plays a 4 at the back and has more in midfield, which is where Scotland thrive the most. Clarke normally has a high volume of lateral passes, which indicates less forward movement. Also, his team don't play a high line which allows the opposition to get to the, when they are pinned to their own penalty area. Again, this indicates a passive approach to a game.

Who could replace him?

    After his resignation in the early hours, the question looms on who will be the next Scotland Manager. At Galactic Football, our favourite is Ange Postecoglou. This is due to the fact he plays a more fearless attacking style of football. He has additionally managed in Scotland before and was very successful at Celtic. Even at Spurs he was successful, winning the 24/25 Europa League and led them to a 6th place finish the season prior. Another ex-Celtic manager could also do a good job and that man is Brendan Rodger's. Again, he has been very successful at Celtic but also at Leicester and won a historic FA cup. The thing in common with these two is that they have winners mentality which might just be the thing that gets Scotland boogieing to the right song.

Image: George Hitchens, SOPA Images

Was resigning the right choice?

    On the whole, Steve Clarke's resignation as Scotland manager was a good thing. He has revolutionised the Scottish National Team and has gotten them to major international tournaments. The thing is his performances in these tournaments have been fearful and all about defending not attacking and if they keep playing like this it would lead to a toxic atmosphere. Steve Clarke has taken Scotland as far as they can and has done an amazing job but has crumbled under the big tournament pressure. This next manager needs to be more appreciative and has to make Scotland a more feared team that can get to the knockout stages of a tournament.

Final Words