Clarke Focuses on Preparation Ahead of World Cup Showdown

Steve Clarke spoke to the press on the eve of Scotland's last friendly match before the World Cup, set to take place against Bolivia in New Jersey on Saturday. The head coach shared his main objectives for the encounter: “no injuries, performance and then result,” as he aims to avoid further setbacks following Billy Gilmour’s injury during last weekend's victory over Curacao.

Clarke emphasized a straightforward approach to team selection, stating, “It’s about preparation, not protection.” He dismissed the idea of overly cautious tactics, asserting, “We can’t wrap players in cotton wool. You need to work. Injuries are part and parcel of football.”

Looking ahead to Scotland's opening match against Haiti next Sunday, Clarke revealed he still has “16 decisions” to finalize regarding his squad. He cautioned fans against underestimating their opponents, noting that Haiti recently showcased their capabilities with a significant win over New Zealand, highlighting them as a “good, physical, technical” team. Currently, he mentioned there are no “major” concerns, just a few players dealing with minor issues.