Scotland 0-4 Belgium: Alex McLeish says side should be positive
Last updated on .From the section Scotland
Scotland's players "should not be downhearted" despite their 4-0 humbling by Belgium, says manager Alex McLeish.
An error-strewn performance consigned McLeish to a fourth defeat in five games, with just one goal scored.
John McGinn and Ryan Jack were caught in possession for two of Belgium's goals, and Charlie Mulgrew conceded possession in the run-up to another.
McLeish said "if anybody's got to take the blame it's me for telling them to pass it".
He added: "I don't want them just to lump it up the pitch. If we do that, when are we ever going to change?"
The Scotland manager also said:
- Belgium were the "best choice" of opponent for the obligatory friendly date;
- Scotland "cut through" the World Cup semi-finalists "a couple of times";
- His players will be "buzzing again" in time to face Albania in the Nations League opener.
'We know we're not silky passers'
Romelu Lukaku scored in the first half, then Eden Hazard and Michy Batshuayi (2) added three further efforts after the break as the Belgians ruthlessly punished Scotland's mistakes.
It means they have now conceded eight goals and scored just once in McLeish's five games in charge in his second spell as Scotland manager.
"The guys have to learn fast," he said. "They're young, they've just broken into the team over the last year or so, and they were playing against some world superstars, who have been together for a long time.
"Belgium never really cut us open. The goals that they got were big gifts. Take those away and it's looking a much brighter result. And we had some moments, we cut through Belgium a couple of times.
"We know we're not at the Belgium level. We know we're not absolute silky passers but there is a lot of ability in there, players who are playing at a very good level."
- Belgium inflict Scotland's heaviest home defeat in 43 years
- Reaction & how the match unfolded
- Who did you vote man of the match?
- Football Daily podcast: Hampden humbling for Scots; happy birthday, Pat!
Scotland now welcome Albania at Hampden on Monday, with the Balkans side top of the Nations League group after beating Israel 1-0.
Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths went off at half-time with a calf problem but McLeish was unsure of the severity of the injury.
He did however, add that Hearts defender John Souttar "didn't do himself any harm" on his debut.
"The next game's massive for us," McLeish said. "That is the most important game. We're down but we're certainly not out and we will be buzzing tomorrow again."
'There are positive signs' - reaction
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez
Alex McLeish has a new project and you have to be patient. You can see they are a dynamic, energetic young group with strong technical ability. There are positive signs. It was very difficult for us in the first half to break the system down and they counter-attacked with quality.
Former Scotland striker Kenny Miller on Sportsound
Is there anyone in that team that you think deserves not to be there? And look at the bench. James Forrest has been excellent for two years, Jonny Russell is playing well, Ryan Jack has had a fantastic start to the season. Graeme Shinnie is reliable. He is more than capable of being in that squad. The bottom line is we won't play Belgium on Monday night. We have a good, young, energetic group of players.
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“...the glory days of Scottish football are behind us.”
What glory days???
When was the last time you were successful at any level ?
Do the decent thing and resign then.
" Belgium never really cut us open "
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Boy am I happy they did'nt !
Hopefully we won’t do that again.
If they need to see what playing for
Scotland should mean to them, they should take a look at their female counterparts (such as Erin Cuthbert), whose passion for their country makes them formidable opponents even for ‘better’ teams.
Why not?
These are pros, and passing is one of the fundamental skills required to be a footballer.
I cringe when I see Scots football. Little wonder the national side can only 'lump up the park', when they are all incapable of knitting together as a team. They evidently spend too much time at the tattooist, and not enough time practicing with a ball.
It's just simply not a level of football they are used to. Getting them the experience of playing at that kind of level could be immensely useful for them in the future if they have the character to learn from their mistakes.
Probably not the best timing though in terms of confidence.
There are 3 hys on Scotlands' inept performance to allow all our engerland neighbours 3 chances to rub our noses in a very predictable defeat.
Aunty beeb does like a dig at us "jocks"...
a friendly against them would have been a better game for at least we would have had a chance of a win