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Steve Clarke may be in danger of looking greedy. With Scotland in euphoric celebration after qualifying for next year’s European Championship, their first appearance in a men’s final in 23 years, the coach has told his players to aim for the next World Cup.
After beating Serbia on penalties to reach the European Championship, Scotland continues their successful Nations League campaign with a match in Slovakia. The Qatar World Cup is the potential reward if this race continues.
“I interrupted the player celebrations the other night just to have five minutes of serious talk,” he said. “I thanked them for their effort, players and staff. I also reminded them that we have qualified for Euro 2020 and now we can park it in the closet. Gives us something to look forward to
“Now it’s about the next tournament. The next tournament is Qatar 2022 and we want to participate as well. We now know better than anyone how important these Nations League matches are.
“Most of the squad are at a very good age and are reaching a point in their lives where they have good international experience and are earning more. There is a core there, the core of the team, hopefully it can continue for a few more years and hopefully take another qualification. That has to be the goal. “
Clarke is aware of the magnitude of the achievements of his team in Belgrade. More than two decades without a major tournament and the impact of Covid-19 have contributed to the grim finances of the Scottish FA. Layoffs were announced at the governing body in recent weeks.
“It’s something I was aware of,” Clarke said. “Your bosses tell you certain things. Everyone knows that economically and financially this is a very difficult time for everyone.
“I think the Scottish Football Association has already taken out a £ 5 million loan to try to help with the process of overcoming this pandemic. And the fact that we have qualified means that there will be more income.
“It will probably be too late to save some of the jobs that are going to be lost, which is a shame, but it may stop future layoffs. I don’t know, it’s not my department. But I know it is important. It has been a long time since we qualified. You have to understand that everyone needs money to come in. “
