SOCCER/Scotland v Leichtenstein:CRAIG LEVEIN has launched a vigorous defence of his tactical approach with the national team, the Scotland manager pointing out he will not bow to pressure from pundits or supporters to adopt an attacking style.
Levein has been angered by criticism of his side’s 4-5-1 formation during the scoreless draw in Lithuania on Friday. The manager, known for his pragmatic tactics with club sides, claimed a back-to-basics method is necessary to revive his country’s ailing fortunes. “I just think there is a general carping going on,” he said. “It does not bother me. I am quite open (about) what I am trying to do. If I do not get results then I will be out on my arse anyway.”
Whatever else will be said of Levein’s tenure, it promises to be colourful. Within the space of four days the match referee in Lithuania, the Lithuania team, the Liechtenstein FA and now his own detractors have been publicly berated. “There are reasons for saying the way to get results is through solidity,” Levein added. “We’ve had notions in the past where we are going to play people off the pitch, but if we are going to get anywhere over a period of time then we have to get the absolute best out of all the players. There is work to be done and this is the way I do things.”
Levein believes there is a wholly unnecessary fixation on the importance of systems and tactics. Liechtenstein, ranked 141st in the world and who suffered a 4-0 defeat at home to Spain on Friday evening, visit Hampden Park tonight and the manager feels the work ethic of his players is more important than which formation they play in.
“We have this fascination with the 4-4-2 system; that all it means is that 4-4-2 is attacking, and that if you don’t play 4-4-2, then you’re not attacking,” he said. “I don’t know where it comes from. If you look at international football, and even club football throughout the world, nobody plays with two strikers.”
Darren Fletcher will win his 50th cap and in doing so he becomes the 26th player to enter Scotland’s international hall of fame.
“It’s a nice moment when you reach these milestones,” said the Scotland captain. “To be honest, my primary concern is the points and winning the game.”
Fletcher stuck to Scotland’s party line over the perils of treating Liechtenstein lightly. “Any time you expect a comfortable win it doesn’t happen that way. You have no divine right to win any football match,” he said.
