A QUESTIONABLE FORMATION IS PROOF WE ARE SUFFERING SYSTEM FAILURE
A questionable formation, stars unclear of their roles and McLeish’s negative noises. The Haifa humbling shows Scots are suffering a...
THE Tartan Army were perfectly within their rights to boo Alex McLeish’s team in Haifa after witnessing errors in selection, tactics that had players woefully out of position and an ultimately meek 2-1 defeat to a nation 55 places below Scotland in the world rankings. Sportsmail’s JOHN McGARRY looks at the many problems posed by Thursday’s debacle — and offers some solutions.
THE SYSTEM PROBLEM...
Speaking immediately after the humbling in Haifa, Alex McLeish bristled at the suggestion his 3-5-2 might have been something to do with a poor result and performance. Twice he batted it off, claiming it was ‘nonsense’. But that was at odds with the consensus. His determination to
shoehorn Andrew Robertson and Kieran Tierney into the same side is understandable. But this ‘solution’ sees neither playing in their natural position. The same applies to Stephen O’Donnell, who is never asked to play wing-back at Kilmarnock, and Charlie Mulgrew, who doesn’t play in a defensive three for his club. SOLUTION...
Go to a 4-5-1. Yes, playing Tierney at right-back isn’t ideal. But at least the Celtic man will be playing in a shape he knows and will be able to utilise his main strength — getting forward. Partner John Souttar with either Mulgrew or Scott McKenna and leave Robertson to play at left-back where he continues to be a revelation for Liverpool. That allows you to play James Forrest as a winger with Steven Naismith or Ryan Fraser on the other flank. Allow Callum McGregor to reprise his holding role behind Stuart Armstrong and John McGinn, thus guaranteeing energy in abundance. Play either Leigh Griffiths or Johnny Russell up front.
THE PLAYERS PROBLEM...
In previous years, the argument that we didn’t have enough players capable of cutting it at international standard did hold some water. But that’s less applicable these days. Look at Allan McGregor’s performance on Thursday. Tierney and Robertson are two of the best left-backs in Britain. There is nous and goals in Forrest and Naismith and energy in the middle of the park. The lack of a prolific striker is concerning but, with four goals in Dark Blue, it would pay to make Griffiths feel valued.
SOLUTION...
In simple terms, play those who are in form in their preferred positions. Within two minutes of entering the fray against Albania, Armstrong’s surging runs had contributed to the opening goal. Why did he remain inactive throughout the game in Haifa when a lack of energy was so palpable? Forrest scored four at St Johnstone last Sunday yet had to wait until the 67th minute to get a kick. Getting the best players on the park where they are most effective would be a start.
COMMUNICATION PROBLEM...
There was a truly concerning moment early in the game when Callum McGregor asked the bench if the formation was 4-5-1. How can this be so? The Celtic man and his sidekick, McGinn, also didn’t appear to know when to press and when to sit in. Surely the instructions must leave no room for doubt?
SOLUTION...
When you have limited time with players, there is no point in blinding them with science. By definition, these guys are the best in the country, so they are adept at doing what they are told. But the structure of the team, their role within it and the gameplan must be crystal clear. Otherwise, you end up with the shambles that was Thursday.
FAITH IN THE REGIME PROBLEM...
There’s no dressing up the fact that the appointment of McLeish wasn’t exactly greeted with dancing in the streets. That’s not the fault of a man who pulled on the jersey 77 times. The blazers who naively put all the eggs in one basket in Michael O’Neill only to end up with yoke on their chins are culpable. But none of that changes the public perception of the current incumbent. Bluntly, most feel he had his chance and that a younger more up-and-coming boss was required at this juncture. When Robertson claims
that both he and Tierney are being played out of position, you fear the negativity is bleeding into the squad.
SOLUTION...
In times of strife, there is but one solution for a manager: to win games or, at the very least, to evoke encouraging performances. McLeish badly needs something to cling on to when Portugal come to town tomorrow. The difficulty for him and the men who sanctioned his appointment is the natural break that comes between the Nations League and the regular qualifying next month. Frankly, if we can’t top a group containing Israel and Albania, what faith will there be in McLeish finishing second in a section in which we are likely to be a pot-four side?
MIXED MESSAGES PROBLEM...
Much can be said in haste in the aftermath of a poor result but one of McLeish’s remarks on Thursday was truly alarming. Attempting to pour oil on choppy waters, he said of the defeat: ‘Did we ever say we were at a level where we should be qualifying for major tournaments? We’ve not said that.’ With all due respect to a bona
fide Scotland legend, if you don’t believe the team should be qualifying for tournaments, what’s the point in all this? You are being paid handsomely to end our dismal cycle of failure.
SOLUTION...
Striking a more positive tone would be handy. Unlike in previous campaigns, we do have some excellent players — Allan McGregor, Tierney, Robertson and Naismith to name but four. Nations like Iceland, Hungary and Albania have qualified for major tournaments without players of that ilk. So beat the drum a bit more. Publicly tell the players they are good enough to make the Euros. It might just happen.