Steve Clarke on Scotland future: 75 per cent probability I’ll depart after 2026 World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada | Soccer Information
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke says there’s a 75 per cent probability he’ll depart his function after the 2026 World Cup.
The previous West Brom, Studying and Kilmarnock supervisor has already led Scotland to consecutive European Championships, and his subsequent goal will probably be retaining their place within the prime tier of the Nations League – with a two-legged play-off towards Greece this month.
His consideration will then flip to securing qualification to a primary males’s World Cup since 1998 – with Greece, Belarus and both Portugal or Denmark mendacity in Scotland’s method.
Clarke has led Scotland to consecutive European Championships
Clarke – who took over from Alex McLeish in 2019 – is out of contract after the event in the USA, Canada and Mexico subsequent yr, and the 61-year-old admits he might not renew that deal.
“I am going to go on share – 75 per cent,” he mentioned, when requested how probably he was to go away after the World Cup marketing campaign. “That is one thing that I have not spoken to my bosses about.
“However at this second in time, I am completely satisfied to run my contract down. And I need to go to America. That is the underside line. I need to assist this group of gamers to get to the World Cup in America.”
Regardless of their Euros success, Scotland missed out on the 2022 Qatar World Cup following a play-off loss to Ukraine – and Clarke admits the following 12 months will determine his future.
He added: “I’ve nonetheless bought 10 huge video games this yr to find out my future shifting ahead.
“I’ve determined that I need to run the contract down. Clearly, if now we have a implausible yr and get to the World Cup and do properly on the World Cup, perhaps someone will persuade me to remain.
“Whether or not I keep right here or whether or not I am going some place else, the following yr can decide my future. I believe it is somewhat bit too early to be speaking about me leaving or me staying.”
Scotland are unbeaten in three video games below Steve Clarke, beating Poland and Croatia, plus drawing with Portugal
When requested if he nonetheless had ambitions to return to membership administration, the previous St Mirren and Chelsea defender mentioned: “I am all the time open to different recommendations.
“I’ve loved being the pinnacle coach of Scotland. I am decided to take pleasure in this yr being the pinnacle coach of Scotland. We’ll see the place that takes us.”
