Ken’s new Scotland head coach has a tricky job

It was the third consecutive disappointing group stage exit under Clarke when Scotland crashed out of the World Cup. A common theme among them was the lack of attack threats.

Many have identified the problem as a lack of pace and athleticism across the pitch, limiting Scotland’s ability to counter-attack compared to other nations of a similar size.

The same lack on defense limits a coach who wants to push more offensively. This left Clarke in a quandary about how to play on the biggest stage.

Former winger Pat Nevin has covered a lot of games at the World Cup for the BBC and believes Scotland have a “weakness” in producing enough players with the physical ability to compete at major tournaments.

“We need to develop a group of young players who are athletic,” Nevinke said The Scottish Football Podcast.

“The pace some of these players are going at, it puts us in a bit of a shadow.

“I’m not just talking about France and watching them. I’m talking about Colombians, Mexicans and many other teams.

“We looked a little loose and not as athletic as them. It’s something we’ll have to work on for a while.”

But how? The SFA said in a report published in 2024 Clubs are failing young players By not giving the first team enough minutes.

its role Collaboration agreement last season An earlier age has opened up more opportunities for players to get playing time in Scotland’s lower leagues.

But Nevin believes much bigger changes are needed.

“Steve Clarke knew we didn’t have the same level of (athleticism) across the group. That’s a hard thing to change. It’s cultural, it’s bigger than football,” he said.

“We’re a small country, everyone has to work together. That means clubs, among all organizations. We can’t be small-minded.

“We need young Scottish players to get opportunities sooner.”

Mulholland’s background is in player development, leading the Rangers academy and having a similar role at Nottingham Forest, so he will be aware of these issues.

It will be interesting to see how Scottish football progresses from here.