Steve Clarke, Scotland's Transformation Manager, is the team's coach. Coach photo: Ian McNicol/Getty Images
Steve Clarke is never happier than when he's wandering around the center circle with a clipboard under his arm and a whistle in his hand.
He's a coach's coach, a meticulous planner and a strategist who transformed the Scotland national team and lifted the spirits of a country that feared those days would never be recovered.
With Clarke on the verge of guiding him to Euro 2024, the feel-good factor is reaching previously uncharted levels in the lead-up The 150th anniversary of the hostile match against England on Tuesday.
Whatever happens in the frenzied atmosphere of a sold-out Hampden Park, there is no doubt where Clarke will be relaxing later this week.
< p>“Fly fishing is good, it keeps me sane. Sometimes I go out on the boat with a group, sometimes I need a little privacy and go alone,” he says.
“Between naming the lineup and playing the games, there are 14 days of super intense study and pressure . This is real stress, five times a year for two weeks, so it is important to relax.
Steve Clarke and his assistant, John Carver, won 11 consecutive group stage victories. Photo: Ryan Pearce/Getty Images
“Grandchildren are great for this, I have five of them now. They keep me young and busy. I'm not really fighting for relaxation.”
Clark turned 60 last month and has always been reluctant to reflect on past achievements, preferring to maintain his trademark caution about what lies ahead.
However, the transition from twice-a-year failures to a more agile and functioning team was quite remarkable. International breaks are now seen by players as a pleasure rather than a chore.
As you consider Scotland's trajectory under Clarke, it may be instructive to reflect on the events of four years ago.
A few weeks after his appointment, with the nation still skeptical of the leadership of the national team, Clarke watched as Belgium crushed his new team in front of the Tartan Army.
This 4-0 defeat only underlined the The Saltcoats manager has a task ahead of him, but he will face England having won his last six games. game at the national stadium.
Perhaps Clarke's best moment came in March when he scored a stunning 2-0 win over Spain — their first competitive victory over the Spaniards in almost four decades — and it was his vision in high resolution.
They stuck their noses out. turning the joint into an art form, and Manchester City's Rodri later accused Scotland of «rubbish» football and criticized the length of the grass — remarks that amused Clarke and will no doubt be revisited ahead of next month's rematch in Seville.
After beating Cyprus 3-0 on Friday night, Scotland have also won 11 consecutive group stage qualifying matches.
One step closer.
Your #ScotlandHQ Watch the highlights from Cyprus 0-3 Scotland 🎥 🏴 Football Football Football #CYPSCO #CYPSCO pic.twitter.com/jrp4V2QPcP
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) September 10, 2023
“We wanted to be more competitive, that's what the Scottish public wants. They are realistic and understand how difficult it is to qualify for major tournaments,” he says.
“Now they believe in their team and enjoy watching them. We have resumed interaction with the fans who support us. If we can continue this and achieve even greater success, that will be great.
“Our results at Hampden have been decent and we have shown that we can produce results away from home. We're not afraid of anyone, we're all determined to make this country happy again.»
Previously coach of West Brom, Reading and Kilmarnock, Clarke first made his coaching reputation under Jose Mourinho at » Chelsea».< /p>
It is no surprise to Mourinho that his former assistant has demonstrated a level of professionalism in Scotland that all players agree on.
Standards and attention to detail are high and Clarke works closely with the Scotland boss. performances from Graham Jones and assistant John Carver.
With key players such as Liverpool defender Andy Robertson and Aston Villa's John McGinn, the future is also bright with promising young players such as Billy Gilmour, Nathan Patterson and Aaron Hickey.
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The talent pool may be increasing, but there are still plenty of players in the Championship, such as QPR's Lyndon Dykes and Watford's Ryan Porteous.
With that resounding win in Larnaca on Friday night, Scotland could even secure qualification for their second European Championship in a row this week.
Scotland are enjoying the visit of Southgate and co and Clarke will assure there is no Absolutely nothing friendly.
< p>Tuesday night relaxing on the riverside will be a very different place from Hampden Park.
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