Scotland manager Steve Clarke is facing fierce criticism from fans after a 1-0 defeat to Morocco in the World Cup, with many accusing him of negative tactics and questionable team selection. The loss dampened the carnival atmosphere that had followed the Tartan Army from Boston's Fenway Park to the match venue.
Fan Fury Over Team Selection
Cooper Steven from Kent raged: “I honestly have no idea what goes on in Steve Clarke’s head with some of his team choices. The Morocco game could at least have yielded a draw, but why did we start with Kieran Tierney on the left wing when we actually have natural wingers in the squad? And why not start with Scotland’s most natural finisher Lawrence Shankland? Was he injured? It feels like a great opportunity squandered by bad team choices. I thought we should have gone for it more, but it always feels as if we get to crucial games and Steve Clarke goes all timid and plays it too safe.”
Peter Cooperwhite added: “Well. Where do you start? The beginning I guess, when he didn't play Lawrence Shankland or Ben Gannon-Doak. You can say that's Shankland’s World Cup adventure ended now that Clarke has plumped for Lyndon Dykes as a sub. I’m not sure why because all he brings is a bald head and a shed load of tattoos.”
Negative Approach Under Fire
Scott Gowers from Edinburgh took aim at the head coach: “The SFA stupidly jumped the gun by offering Steve Clarke a new contract. Yes, Scotland qualified but ask any fan who attended the qualifying matches how happy they were with the performances that got us there. Scotland played Haiti and got a win which was expected on paper. But then he picks the wrong formation and the wrong team. We were caught cold against Morocco by conceding early and failed to record a shot on target having played a striker who had less touches than I have fingers on one hand. I don't want to be negative about Scotland's chances but unfortunately that's the Steve Clarke way, negative football.”
Rab Picken from London lashed out: “Seriously, why is he still in a job? Has Clarke learned nothing from the Euros? It doesn’t appear he has, he’s calamity of a manager. We needed one point but look at the team he starts with. Then with 20 minutes left when we still need a goal, he sends on the headless chicken Dykes and leaves Shankland - a proven scorer - on the bench. His tactics are appalling. Mind you, his employers are not fit for purpose. Let's hope we still get through. Maybe then he will have a go instead of sticking by these embarrassing negative tactics.”
Early Goal Seals Scotland's Fate
Jamie Thompson from Glasgow was another fan feeling red-faced after seeing Ismael Saibari fire Morocco ahead with barely a minute on the clock. He said: “To lose a goal 70 seconds in was embarrassing but this is the same Scotland team that can’t string three passes together without losing the ball. The other teams must love playing us.”
John Scott from Grassmoor added: “Ross Pilcher's piece for Record Sport on the reaction of the world’s media was sobering. La Figaro hit us with, ‘Too limited technically, lacking in talent and unable to change pace’. Harsh? I'd argue that individually we have the talent but as a team, something is lacking. Guys like John McGinn and Scott McTominay will be well aware they are capable of so much more. Our coach? Not so much. We need a Roy Keane or an Ange Postecoglou. The players leap to Steve's defence and argue he’s a great guy but that there could be the problem. Also the modern Scottish trait of being happy just to be there sucks. The reality is thousands will arrive home dreading credit card bills and loan repayments. No such worries for young men earning thousands each week playing football. Time they manned up.”
