Steve Clarke FULL PRESS CONFERNCE Reaction to Portugal 2-1 Scotland

Steve Clarke spoke to the media after Scotland went down 2-1 to Portugal in Lisbon in their second Nations League match of the campaign.

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Steve Clarke’s Press Conference Transcript:

Undone by another late goal. Can you sum up your emotions for us this evening?

Steve Clarke:
Obviously disappointed to lose a game where we looked for a long period of time that we would get something from it. Really disappointed for my players—the effort and the quality they put into the game deserved to get something from it.

You’ve got to hold on to the belief that the improved performances will yield something. How hard is that to do?

Clarke:
We spoke after the game about that. Just reiterating to the players that we have to understand the part of the cycle we’re in and what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to readjust a little bit after the summer. We can use these matches to try to build and ensure that the end goal is qualification for a tournament for a country like Scotland. It would be nice to get some points, and it would be nice not to concede a late goal, but this is the level we’re at. We’ve been a good team and managed to reach the top level of the Nations League, and the players understand how difficult it is to get results at this level.

Q:
Angus Gunn made some brilliant saves tonight, but was there frustration with how the equalizer was conceded?

Clarke:
I don’t speak about individuals. Gunn had a good game tonight.

Q:
Despite zero points, the team’s setup with four at the back seemed to allow good play going forward. Is that a positive to take?

Clarke:
There are a lot of positives, if you can ignore the results. We’re professional, so it’s disappointing to come out of two games where I feel we played very well but have nothing to show for it. It’s a harsh level, but it’s important not to be too hard on themselves. They’re disappointed, but they have to understand the work we’re doing. We only had about three days to work in the summer, and we decided to change the system for these matches. I think the players have done good work. That’s why I’m so disappointed for them.

Q:
Do you think the players will feel good about their performances?

Clarke:
They go away disappointed because they’re professionals. They want to win and do well for their country, and that’s the nature of this squad.

Q:
You spoke before the Nations League about the importance of bravery from the players. Have you seen that, and what’s been the secret to getting more from them than in the tournament?

Clarke:
As always, after the end of a journey—like the Championships in the summer—you have to go away and analyze everything: myself, my staff, and the players. Then, you reset, explain that to the players, and look to improve. I’m very honest with my players, and they’re honest with me. That relationship helps us do what we’ve done in a short space of time. We want to build on that in the next camp, where we’ll have more time for training sessions. The coaches and I will analyze this game and the Poland game, and we’ll hopefully give the lads more pointers for next month’s games, which won’t be easy—Portugal at home and Croatia away.

Q:
Was there concern about bringing on a player like Cristiano Ronaldo? Did you always feel it might be his night?

Clarke:
When you bring quality players from the bench like Cristiano, there’s always a risk. I thought we handled it well. With the number of balls going into the box, one was always going to fall, and unfortunately for us, that’s what happened.

You have to believe in yourself and work hard until the end. The late goals will be talked about, but we also conceded an early goal. I felt we were just starting to weather the storm before the equalizer. After 1-1, we looked better, and even after going 2-1 down, we went forward and tried to get something from the game. There were some brave blocks in defence too.

Q:
Grant Hanley and Scott McKenna made brave defensive efforts, putting their bodies on the line for Scotland.

Clarke:
Yes, and Tony Ralston and Andy Robertson as well. Everyone defended well. We knew the threats that Portugal have with their quality players, but by and large, we defended their chances bravely. That’s what you have to do at this level—there are no shortcuts.

I can’t speak for the earlier part of his career, but for this camp, the midfield area in the Scotland squad is one of our strongest. Ryan had to be patient. He’s had a good spell in MLS with goals and assists that caught my eye, and with some players missing, like Lewis Ferguson and Stuart Armstrong, it gave Ryan his chance. He’s got two caps now, and hopefully, he’ll continue to be part of the squad going forward.

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