THIS WAS the hilarious moment Steve Clarke gave a brave reporter a death stare after he was quizzed about his touchline row with a set-piece coach.
It was a night to forget for the 60-year-old and Scotland as they were hammered 5-1 by Germany in the opening game of Euro 2024 yesterday.
It was his heaviest loss as national boss as his side only managed to hold the hosts in Munich for ten minutes.
By half time they were trailing 3-0 and were a man down after Ryan Porteous was sent-off, and they went on to concede twice more after the break.
They did not even manage to have a shot on target, with their consolation coming courtesy of an own goal from Antonio Rudiger late on.
Captain Andy Robertson was blasted by Roy Keane after he admitted afterwards they “had got everything wrong”.
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And fans claimed that they “knew Scotland were in trouble” after spotting Kieran Tierney and Robertson’s early antics before they had even conceded.
However, another talking point from Scotland’s defeat occurred in the technical area with their manager.
As they fell 4-0 behind, Clarke and his set-piece coach Austin MacPhee were spotted arguing when a free kick routine went wrong just following the hour mark.
Scotland declined to put the ball into the box from the set-piece, instead working the ball wide to Robertson.
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But the full-back only succeeded in giving it away – leading to Leroy Sane running through on goal and almost adding another.
It proved to be a rather poor choice, which looked to be the point Clarke was making, as their goal did actually occur from a ball being played into the box.
ITV commentator Sam Matterface said: “It wasn’t shown on your screen but that all came from a disappointing Scotland free kick.
“There was a bit of an argument going on in the Scotland technical area between Steve Clarke and Austin MacPhee, who’s the set piece coach.
“Clarke wanted them to utilise that set piece better.”
However, Clarke was in no mood to talk about it in his post-match press conference when asked about the apparent difference of opinion.
And he unleashed a fierce looking stare as he eyeballed the reporter who dared to ask.
The journalist enquired as to whether they had smoothed things over since then and what was the reason behind the angry exchange.
Clarke firstly looked to have a wry smile before quickly looking sternly straight at him before asking: “Is that a serious question?”
When the reporter confirmed it was, Clarke then looked to be shaking his anger as he fiercely continued with his answer.
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He said: “Yeah, we’re fine. I don’t even remember it. We’re fine.
“It’s emotional on the touchline.”
Clarke would go on to ask the heartbroken Tartan Army to keep the faith with him and his team ahead of Wednesday’s second group game with Switzerland.
He said: “I’ve had tough nights before. I’ll cope.
“I believe the players will get over this quickly. I have never doubted my players and I never will.”
“What would I say to the fans?
“Keep the faith and we’ll see you at the next game.”
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He added: “We will go away and analyse the game as we always do and work on Switzerland and the shape of the team.
“Now it’s all about reaction. Let’s see how they react. Four points is the target in the next two games.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
