The Scottish Football Association has promised a wide-ranging search for the next Scotland manager after Steve Clarke's departure. Clarke left following Scotland's failure to qualify for the World Cup, ending a cycle that saw the team reach three major tournaments under his leadership. While disappointment lingers over the team's performance at those events, Clarke's role in ending a generation of fans watching from home is acknowledged.
International Candidates Emerge
Scotland has only ever had one foreign-born manager, Berti Vogts, but that may change as the SFA looks beyond domestic options. Record Sport consulted experts worldwide to identify potential candidates for the role, which will aim to lead Scotland into Euro 2028 qualifying.
Italian Options: Stefano Pioli
Stefano Pioli is available after being sacked by Fiorentina. He has extensive Serie A experience and won the Scudetto with AC Milan four years ago. Known for attacking football, Pioli also has a passion for basketball and once proposed a rule change preventing teams from retreating into their own half after crossing the halfway line. Other Italian names suggested include Walter Mazzarri and Christian Panucci, the latter having international experience with Albania, where he faced Scotland in the Nations League, according to Andrea Ramazzotti of Gazzetta dello Sport.
Belgian Contenders: Hein Vanhaezebrouck and Philippe Clement
Hein Vanhaezebrouck, 62, has been out of work since leaving Gent, where he previously managed before a stint at Anderlecht. His availability and attacking style make him an attractive option, says Frank Dekeyser of Het Laatste Nieuws. Vanhaezebrouck currently works as an analyst in Belgium. Another Belgian name is Philippe Clement, now at Norwich City after his Rangers spell. Dekeyser questions whether Clement would swap club for international football at this stage.
Scandinavian Stars: Kjetil Knutsen, Kasper Hjulmand, Thomas Frank, Per-Mathias Hogmo
Kjetil Knutsen of Bodo Glimt is hailed as Scandinavia's top coach by former Celtic player Vidar Riseth, who says Knutsen would excel with Scotland. Kasper Hjulmand, former Denmark boss, led the Danes to Euro 2020 semi-finals and Euro 2024 last 16, though his Bayer Leverkusen stint was short. Gavin Berry of the Daily Record notes Hjulmand's CV should attract the SFA. Thomas Frank, known for his work at Brentford and Tottenham, is an obvious name but is currently on a break, according to Mads Glenn Wehlast of Bold. Per-Mathias Hogmo, who almost joined Hearts, is out of work and has international experience with Norway. Scott Burns of the Daily Record describes him as a safe pair of hands, especially if paired with a young Scottish coach.
Portuguese and Australian Options
Carlos Carvalhal, with Premier League experience and stints at Sporting and Braga, is suggested by Joao Albuquerque of Record, Portugal. Australian Kevin Muscat, linked to the Rangers job last October, manages Shanghai Port in the Chinese Super League. His loyalty to the club may be a hurdle, but the CSL season ends in November, which could suit Scotland's schedule, notes Matt White of the Super League website.
Other International Names
Roger Schmidt, formerly of Leverkusen, PSV, and Benfica, has coached in six countries and now advises the Japan FA. Graeme Young of the Daily Record says Schmidt's experience fits the SFA's needs. Brazilian Fernando Diniz, known for his distinctive attacking style, had a short-lived tenure with Brazil's national team. Lucian Borges of ESPN Brazil says Scotland would need patience with him. Russian Leonid Slutsky, who coached Hull City and Vitesse, now manages Shanghai Shenhua. Dennis Butrysky of RB Sports says Slutsky knows UK realities and speaks English. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, former Manchester United and Molde manager, is available. Craig Swan of the Daily Record calls him intriguing, while Stevie Grieve of Helsinborgs IF suggests Solskjaer could bring former Scotland captain Darren Fletcher as a coach. Grieve also mentions Ange Postecoglou as ideal but financially out of reach.
Conclusion
The SFA's search is expected to be thorough, with candidates from Italy, Belgium, Scandinavia, Portugal, Australia, Germany, Brazil, Russia, and Norway. The next manager will be tasked with building on Clarke's legacy and preparing for Euro 2028 qualifying.
