Celtic captain Callum McGregor didn’t shy away from criticism that has come Scotland’s way following a 5-1 defeat to Germany on Friday night.
McGregor and Anthony Ralston both played for their country as Steve Clarke’s side opened the EURO 2024 tournament in the worst possible way.
It was also going to be a difficult test against the Germans, especially because they are hosts of the competition.
However, Scotland’s performance was well below par. They allowed the German midfield to run riot with acres of space on the pitch. With their attackers also exploiting a very narrow defence, Clarke and his team got it all wrong.
Always honest and article, McGregor faced up to the media on Saturday and admitted that Scotland simply didn’t get close to their opponents.
Callum McGregor apologises to supporters
The midfielder said [Football Scotland]: “It leaves a sour taste in the mouth when you wake up this morning and you haven’t done yourself or your country justice because when you get to these tournaments we want to show people we’re a good nation, with good people and good players.
“We have to apologise to the fans for not putting on a performance that they would be proud of. We stick together and know the next two games we try and give everyone the objective we want.
“Was it tactical or mental failure, or both? It was probably a little bit of both. Not getting close to key players in the game. That gives you a problem when they’ve got top players and you don’t make them uncomfortable and give them an easy night.
“We didn’t manage the game as well as we should’ve. It’s difficult when you go three down, the place is electric, the players are playing with big confidence, they’re top players anyway, so when the machine starts to turn it’s very difficult to get back.
“We didn’t start well and once it gets away from you it’s difficult to turn that again. We have to hold our hands up, we got it wrong, and now it’s about trying to fix it.”
Still time for Scotland
Despite some pundits singling McGregor out during ITV’s coverage of the match, there are no scapegoats when it comes to Scotland’s performance last night.
In fact, for me, if anyone is due criticism then it’s the Scotland manager. Germany tactically tore the Scots apart – Clarke’s team looked as if they had turned up defeated such was their approach to the game.
There’s still time to salvage their campaign and progress from the group. However, neither Switzerland nor Hungary will be easy to beat. McGregor and Scotland will have to be far bolder to pick up points.