Scotland boss Steve Clarke staggered by question following hammering by Germany
Steve Clarke had little time for a question about an apparent bust-up with one of his coaches after Scotland were beaten 5-1 by Germany on Euro 2024's opening night.
The Scots were hammered in Munich, where goals from exciting young talents Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala had the hosts in control after just 20 minutes.
Things then went from bad to worse for Clarke's men just before half-time when centre-back Ryan Porteous was deservedly sent off for a wild lunge on Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan in the penalty area, with Arsenal forward Kai Havertz duly slotting home the resultant spot kick to make it 3-0.
German substitute Niclas Fullkrug made it four with a superbly struck effort, and although the Scots were given some respite when Antonio Rudiger headed into his own net, Fullkrug's fellow sub Emre Can soon fired home the fifth from the edge of the box.
That goal capped a perfect night for Germany but a nightmare one for the Scots, and manager Clarke was spotted in a volatile exchange with his assistant coach Austin MacPhee in the second half.
MacPhee also holds a role as a set-piece coach with Aston Villa, and it was after an attacking set-piece had fail to yield any rewards for Scotland that Clarke could be seen turning to MacPhee and making his feelings clear.
Steve Clarke saw his side well beaten in Munich
But when pressed on the issue after the match, Clarke was nonplussed at even being asked about it.
A reporter at the press conference asked Clarke: "You had a sort of angry exchange of words with your coach Austin MacPhee, what were the reasons for that exchange of words, and have managed to smooth it over and patch it up since then?"
After taking the question in, a bemused Clarke replied: "Is that a serous question?! Yeah we're fine.... I don't even remember it. We're fine."
Andrew Robertson and Kenny McLean of Scotland look dejected
Scotland captain Andy Robertson said his side could have little complaints over the manner of the defeat, but took a small crumb of comfort from their second half display.
"First half, we just got it all wrong really, didn't show up, weren't aggressive enough, and we let good players get on the ball," Robertson said. "Second half, we're down to 10 men and I thought lads dug in really well.
"We’re so well backed over here, today was hugely disappointing. We have to bounce back quickly because there was lots wrong here and it’s a quick turnaround now. Maybe it's a reminder of how tough this tournament is."
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