Scotland’s manager, Steve Clarke, discusses the World Cup’s implications for the team.

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Steve Clarke discusses his plans for the USA, talks with Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United about Scotland’s World Cup qualification, and much more in a comprehensive interview.
For Clarke, that historic victory over Denmark, which guaranteed Scotland’s place in the World Cup, was “vindication”.

With Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United possibly leaving England to commit to Scotland, focus now shifts to pre-tournament friendlies, base camps, and possible new call-ups.

The national team manager spoke with Luke Shanley of Sky Sports just over a month after securing qualification to go over all of that and more.

Do you continue to pinch yourself? Do you spend a lot of time reflecting, or are you more focused on the future?

Several factors combined to produce the result. I know it happened because I was there, so I don’t pinch myself.

Because I have faith in my players, I was also reasonably certain that it would occur. If we could win the game against Denmark, which would be a deciding match, we knew we had a chance. We discussed that scenario with the group to try to make it a crucial game.

“We were able to accomplish that. We anticipated doing it in a different way. The game was insane.

“But after that experience, I started concentrating on the schedule, friendlies, base camps, training camps, build-up, and squad selections.”

“This little head has been busy enough with all the things going on inside it.”

How pleased are you with your record of three out of four qualifications?

“I believe that the current group of players, including myself, has an exceptional qualifying record.

“The qualifying record is up there, but the friendlies record is not so good.

“We failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Although it was a huge disappointment, we did discuss it at the time. We had a conversation about it going forward.

Before the Denmark match, I talked to the players about it, reminding them to keep in mind the hurt we felt from losing the last chance to attend a World Cup and to make sure we didn’t go through that again, which we didn’t.

How have you acknowledged your contributions to the nation in terms of that positive feeling?

“I have friends and family up here, of course, and they keep me updated. They are constantly discussing the excitement surrounding the World Cup.

It’s pretty amazing how many people approach you to shake your hand and say “thank you” or “well done”. That’s a pretty unique feeling.

Half the people at the airport want to shake your hand and ask if you have tickets.

Since there aren’t many tickets, the answer to that question is always no.

“There are always Scotsmen in airports, even in America, who want to stop by and take a picture or simply say, ‘Well done.'”

“I believe it demonstrates the extent of the accomplishments this team of athletes has made for their nation. It has been quite unique.

How will the World Cup preparations intensify going forward?

“I recently returned from America and am investigating a few possible base camps.

“We have to wait and see what options are available because securing elite base camps is not our top priority.”

The logistics, such as travel time and the distance to the stadiums where we will be performing, must then be considered.

“I initially thought we could establish a base close to Boston for the two games, but based on what I’ve seen in the catalogue, there aren’t many suitable bases in that area.”

It would take two matchdays to get to some of the better bases because they are a little bit farther away.

In order to get the base right, there are many factors to consider. You want a place where players won’t feel alone. Getting the players’ families out is a problem.

“There are a lot of logistics related to the tournament to consider.

“After looking at a few bases, I have a better idea. We’ll try to end the season here with a send-off game for Hampden because we’ll also be searching for a pre-base camp in America.

“It is our hope that a pre-base camp will be held in America, ideally somewhere hot, sweaty, and sticky, so that the players can get as used to the matches as possible.”

“The week prior to the tournament, as well as during the competition itself, we will host a friendly out there. Even though there is a lot to plan, it is wonderful to be able to do so.

“The March playoffs are not a concern of ours. Being at the draw and seeing the name ‘Scotland’ without an asterisk next to it was amazing.

How did you feel about the draw?

This situation is extremely difficult, similar to the challenges faced in 1998.

Morocco came in at number eleven, and Brazil came in at number five. Morocco should perform well in the Africa Cup of Nations, so I’m pretty sure they’ll be in the top 10 by the time the tournament rolls around.

Since this is Haiti’s first appearance since 1974, the team will be motivated to do well and represent their nation with pride.

“Three challenging games are in store. If you attend a major tournament, you should be aware that the games will be difficult, in my opinion. There won’t be an exception this time.

Do you anticipate a large number of new members joining your squad, or do you think it will be fairly established?

There’s always room for someone else in the squad, in my opinion. I always show my players a lot of loyalty as a coach, but it must be reciprocated.

My devotion to the players is not the only reason you will be on the squad. They must keep up their consistently high level of performance.

We always welcome an outsider who unexpectedly emerges and demonstrates exceptional form.

“Looking back to the previous Euros, it would be someone like James Forrest, who unexpectedly found a fantastic level of form towards the end of that season that got him into the squad.

Occasionally, unexpected individuals emerge and vie for a spot in the squad.

Typically, a squad consists of 23 players, but when it drops to 26, it creates three extra spots.

“I’m devoted to my team, but they must be worthy of being there.”

Harvey Barnes has been discussed a lot; have you talked to him about it, or does he need to start?

It’s simply quite open; that’s the way it is.

When questioned about it in an interview, Harvey was largely evasive. During the interview, I was asked about the situation, and I responded in a somewhat evasive manner.

“You never know how these things will turn out.

“A few years ago, I discussed the possibility of joining the Scotland squad with Harvey. We chose to end it there because he had moved to Newcastle at that point and thought he had a chance to be involved with England.

Given that you faced criticism following the Euros, do you believe that qualifying for the World Cup is a validation of your strategy and your time at Scotland?

“These days, football is very transient. If you win a game, you’re fantastic; if you lose, you’re garbage. Big extremes exist.

“I thought the criticism following the most recent Euros was somewhat excessive.

“I’m very obstinate. After enduring it, I arrived at the conclusion that I knew what I wanted to do. I have faith in my players; we were aware that we had fallen short of our goals in the Euros, but I also believed that this team could make it to the World Cup. This was the goal of both my players and myself.

“You simply watch out for it.” You have to shut out the critics at some point. I have always had a fairly clear idea of what I wanted to do.

“It doesn’t always make other people happy, but if you look at it now and you’re talking about making other people happy, I think this group of players, myself, and my coaching staff have made the country happy.”

Therefore, “yes, there is some vindication there somewhere.”