STEVE CLARKE was involved in a fiery exchange with a reporter ahead of Scotland’s Nations League showdown with Armenia tomorrow.
The Hampden boss was quizzed on how he handled the criticism both he and his team facedafter last week’s World Cup play-off defeat to Ukraine at the national stadium.
Clarke refused to be drawn on the questioning and urged journalists to look ahead to tomorrow’s Armenia clash, where Scotland will look to get their Nations League campaign off to a positive start.
BBC reporter Brian McLaughlin quizzed Clarke, but the 58-year-old hit back with a series of short responses.
McLaughlin: "How do you feel about the criticism that has come your way, Steve?"
Clarke: "What criticism?"
McLaughlin: "There's been some criticism from former managers and players of the past who were critical of the tactics for example."
🗣️"We were a good team going into the game. We didn't perform on the night, that doesn't make us a bad team coming out of it" Steve Clarke says there's no point looking back on Scotland's World Cup play-off defeat as he focuses on their Nations League opener against Armenia. pic.twitter.com/IQY4RlBYuY
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) June 7, 2022
Clarke: "They are entitled to their opinion."
McLaughlin: "How do you feel about their opinion?"
Clarke: "I don't know what their opinion was because I didn't read it, I didn’t hear it, I didn’t listen to it. I deal with games and disappointments my own way.
McLaughlin: “How do you deal with them?”
Clarke: “I go to my wee happy place.”
McLaughlin: “Where is that?”
Clarke: “I’m not telling you.”
McLaughlin: “Go on, the country wants to know. The country have been hurting as I’m sure you have as well.”
Clarke: “We have all been hurting but you have to move on. So Armenia tomorrow. Focussed on that.”
Clarke intends to utilise his squad as Scotland prepare to kick off a run of three Nations League games in less than a week.
The Scots – beaten by Ukraine in last Wednesday’s World Cup play-off – host Armenia on Wednesday, then visit the Republic of Ireland on Saturday before facing Armenia away on Tuesday.
“I’ve always said I’ve got a really good squad, I enjoy the squad,” said manager Clarke.
“I think there are people in the squad who deserve the chance to play over the next three games and hopefully you’ll see that.”
