Steve Clarke urges Scottish support to remain engaged despite 'difficult time' | Scotland

Steve Clarke has urged fans to keep faith as Scotland look to avoid losing five games in a row for the first time when Portugal visit Hampden Park. Scotland's overall record is also dismal, with one win in 15 and none in nine competitive games. Rumors have been heard about Clarke's position since Scotland's difficulties at the European Championships in the summer.

“I don’t see any reason why they (the fans) shouldn’t believe in this group of players,” Clarke said. “We have three players who are among the top ten internationals in the country.

“After 20 years in the international wilderness, this group of players have appeared in two major tournaments. They have achieved promotion to this top division of the Nations League. So I don't understand why people doubt this group of players. It's a tough moment. There is no doubt about that. But we believe in ourselves.”

There are extenuating circumstances. Promotion to the top tier of the Nations League has presented Scotland with greater challenges than would normally be the case. They have played reasonably well in the last three games despite defeats against Croatia, Poland and Portugal.

The 15-game series includes friendlies against England, France and the Netherlands. Injuries have wiped out the Scotland party for camp this month.

“The players understand that the team could be stronger,” Clarke said. “Everyone knows that. All of these things are there to see. I don't talk about it too much because I feel like it's disrespectful to the guys in the squad. We need to focus on who we have here. We know that we have to be very good at everything we do in the game. Hopefully we can get a result that maybe changes the whole mood of this place.”

Clarke will break a record of her own on Tuesday evening. The 61-year-old will take charge of Scotland for the 62nd time, taking him second in the coaching honors list. Clarke will be ahead of Jock Stein and Andy Roxburgh, with only Craig Brown ahead of him. Brown captained the Scottish senior team 71 times.

“Of course I’m proud to be mentioned in the same breath as people like Mr Stein and Mr Roxburgh, who still send me the occasional email just to keep in touch,” Clarke said. “It's really good. It shows that the players have been fantastic for us over the last five and a half years of my tenure as head coach. I’d like to add a few more to that number if I could.”

However, Clarke denied that Brown's transgression was anywhere near the height of his thoughts. “I want to go to the World Cup. I believe that this squad of players is good enough to take part in the World Cup in America in 2026. That’s all I’m focused on.”