Pedro Martinez Losa has downplayed any suggestions that his confident remarks after the first leg of Scotland's Euro 2025 play-off might inspire Hungary ahead of the crucial second leg at Easter Road on Tuesday.
Following Scotland’s 1-0 triumph in Budapest, Martinez Losa stated emphatically, “There is no way we are going to lose the game at home in Scotland.”
Despite this bold assertion, he believes it won’t affect the Hungarian team’s mindset and he will show respect to the visitors.
Should Scotland advance past Hungary, they will meet the winner of the matchup between Finland and Montenegro in the play-off final next month, with Finland currently holding a 1-0 advantage from their first leg.
“Well, I was referring more in the motivation in the group and the confidence that we have inside, while obviously respecting the opponent,” the Scotland boss told reporters on Monday.
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“But also, we got a result the other day through the way that the game was, and I think that is an aspect that the team is doing now consistently.
“On the other side, we are excited about having very talented players coming back to the squad. And that gives us that confidence that we can offer a good game to our fans.
“It was more the excitement after the game to come back home with building the atmosphere with everyone and be able to face this challenge together.
"I think both teams are more focused on the inside processes. I think Hungary was very well prepared and they will be prepared again. We will be prepared, so I think the details of the game, apart from what we can perceive from the outside, is more about what we will do well on the pitch.
"I will respect the opponent to the maximum level and the best way to respect the opponent is to prepare to the maximum details also."
