Joshua Barrie assesses the tactical blueprint of Steve Clarke and what to expect in Germany. By qualifying for Euro 2024 with time to spare Scotland’s campaign to reach Germany did not only reflect a maturity within the national team not witnessed since the previous century but a team who have, and are, developing collectively. While Steve Clarke’s Scotland may not always be the greatest of entertainers they have what all successful teams across football require - an identity, and a growing one at that.
What are the beliefs and ideas which funnel down to the systems and shapes opted for at Hampden, how has Clarke fashioned a formation to get the maximum out of a somewhat imbalanced squad and what exactly is Scotland’s tactical identity? Let’s find out. A tactical philosophy is..
. Phrases in modern football , philosophies and ideologies, can sometimes distract a conversation away from what tactics actually are at their core; a guiding set of principles that should empower a group of players to perform a set of functions and roles that offer them their best chance of victory. There isn’t a black-and-white in this debate.
Every manager arrives at their job on day one with a core set of beliefs that will shape how their team plays. With bravery or fear, caution or optimism. Whether those in charge take an allergic reaction to the phrase or make it the backbone of each press conference, every manager has a tactical philosophy.
Some will relentlessly coach players into th.