Liverpool superstar Andy Robertson has had his say on “committed” Celtic managerial candidate Steve Clarke.
Robertson has been a constant for Scotland under Clarke, who kept him on as captain after his appointment in 2019. The former Kilmarnock and West Brom manager made history last year after he bagged qualification for Scotland for Euro 2020.
In recent weeks, Clarke has been asked about his interest in the Celtic managerial vacancy. And whilst he’s refused to entertain it too much, he hasn’t exactly ruled it out either [Scottish Sun].
Celtic fans will get another look at the Scotland manager in tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Austria. And Robertson, whose likely to start under Clarke tonight, has been bigging his international gaffer up.
“I believe he is committed”
As quoted by The Herald, Robertson said: “I’ll let the manager talk about that (Celtic link). I’m not sure what is happening with the Celtic job. I’m very happy with him being the Scotland manager. We’ve come over a lot of hurdles with him and we’ve still got a few hurdles to go. I believe he is committed to that.
“He loves the Scotland job and he loves working with this group of boys. Whatever decision he makes, if there is a decision to make, he will make it for the best for him. And we’ll deal with that.
“There is no reason to think that he’s going to leave. Until that changes, we will keep working under him and he will keep doing what he is doing. Then we’ll see what happens.”
Andy Robertson comments noted, but Celtic fan opinion on Clarke would be divided
In fairness to Clarke, there isn’t one remit he’s had over the last several years that he hasn’t met. He bagged European football with Kilmarnock before sending Scotland on their way to Euro 2020 glory.
However, there are still negatives. Failing to win the Nations League B group and earn qualification to the A league last year suggests a struggle under pressure. Especially considering Scotland only needed one point from a double-header to achieve it.
Clarke has always been in jobs where he’s viewed upon as an underdog. The demand of winning every week isn’t something Clarke has been used to as a number one. Granted, his experience as Jose Mourinho’s assistant at Chelsea would stand him in good stead.
But there’s still the obstacle of how Clarke’s teams look to play. He’s known for making teams hard to beat and likes to play with two blocks. It’s so far removed from what we would want to see on a weekly basis at Celtic Park.
Some, however, would feel that Clarke is a steady pair of hands with the relevant qualifications. You know we would be getting a good organiser in, and he’ll be looking to prove that again tonight vs Austria.
But as we look to win the title back next season, it just feels as if we need someone in who packs more of an exciting punch.
In other news, we look at the potential Dermot Desmond appointment that would represent yet more sheer incompetence.
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