Steve Clarke was irked in his post-match press conference. (Image: Getty)
Scotland manager Steve Clarke angrily dismissed suggestions he’d fallen out with one of his coaching staff despite being embroiled in a heated touchline row during the Germany defeat. Clarke was left to fend off difficult questions after his side were humbled on the opening night of Euro 2024, hammered 5-1 by the hosts.
Scottish resistance lasted just 10 minutes at the Allianz Arena before Florian Wirtz struck for the hosts, and Jamal Musiala made it 2-0 before a calamitous first half was compounded when Kai Havertz scored from the spot, with Ryan Porteous sent off for good measure.
Niclas Fullkrug hammered in a fourth after the break, and despite Antonio Rudiger's late deflected own goal bringing some solace to Scottish fans, they had barely finished celebrating when Emre Can scored in injury time.
And it was during the second-half that Clarke had a touchline spat with Austin MacPhee. The pair rowed after the visitors had botched a free-kick routine, wasting the chance to get a rare cross into the German box.
The incident was reported on ITV, with commentator Sam Matterface explaining: “There was a bit of an argument going on in the Scotland technical area between Steve Clarke and Austin MacPhee. Clarke wanted them to utilise that set piece better."
In his post-match press conference, the 60-year-old understandably cut a frustrated figure. And his mood worsened when he was pressed on the argument with McPhee.
Clarke admitted his players were dejected afterwards. (Image: Getty)
“At one point in the match you had an angry exchange of words with your coach Austin MacPhee,” said one reporter. “What were the reasons for that exchange of words and have you managed to smooth it over and patch it up since then?”
Appearing deeply unimpressed at the enquiry, Clarke replied: “Is that a serious question? Yeah we’re fine. I don’t even remember it. We’re fine. It’s emotional on the touchline.”
MacPhee, 44, has been at Aston Villa since August 2021 and worked under Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard and Unai Emery. That same month he accepted a role with Scotland, having previously worked in the Northern Ireland set-up.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Clarke was also frosty when asked about the mood of his side at the final whistle, ahead of a crunch clash with Switzerland next Wednesday. “What do you think the mood was?” he fired back.
“Disappointed, they feel as if we’ve let ourselves down. We’re better than that. We’re a better team than we showed tonight and hopefully we can show that in the next two games. Tonight was always going to be a tough game. We need four points from the next two games and hopefully we can focus on that.”
