A month to save his job: McLeish close to Scotland axe

McLeish admitted that he is personally struggling with Scotland's failures at the start of what is his second spell in charge of the national side, even admitting that he felt "the world was caving in" after their defeat to Israel this week.

In light of his sides poor displays in recent times, McLeish has come under fierce personal criticism, with many expressing the belief that his replacing of Gordon Strachan was premature and ill-advised. 

While the Scot remains adamant that he can turn around his side's fortunes, McLeish did acknowledge the fact that there would be no hiding place for himself or his players if they do not act quickly and add points to their dwindling UEFA Nations League tally.

McLeish knows that the axe will be swinging his way if he does not produce an improvement in the coming fixtures, stating: "That's got to be the way we look at it and go for the next game. The next game is one where there is no hiding place.That's where we have to do it."

 

October 11, 2018

When he spoke to the media after the defeat in Israel, McLiesh spoke frankly about how he felt the heat at the Scotland helm, saying: "God, aye - of course you do I don't think I'd be human if I didn't feel it over the weekend. That was pretty horrible and then we knew we were facing Portugal."

McLeish continued: "You feel as if the world is caving in on you and then you get that thing the next day when you wake up after a half-decent sleep thanks to a sleeping pill and you go again. You pick yourself up."

 

October 14, 2018

Scotland require at least a point when they travel to Skhoder to play Albania in November, and would also need to follow this up with a win at Hampden Park against Israel three days later, in order to secure top spot in their group and a Euro 2020 play-off tie.

McLeish has been under fire for his tactical organisation of the Scotland team, deliberating between sticking to a back four or reverting to a 3-5-2 formation, claiming; "We will have a look at whether or not this system against Portugal is better than the one used previously against Albania and Israel."

Another solution for Scotland could be to recall old faces who McLeish has so far omitted from his plans; Darren and Stephen Fletcher are among the names that are still playing for their club sides, and could provide that extra experience to this young Scotland side that seem to have lost their way.  

McLeish acknowledged this alternative solution saying: "I've spoken to Darren. He's not been in the team (at Stoke City). Most of the guys Gordon (Strachan) had have not been playing in the last six months. Steven Fletcher is back on the scene at Sheffield Wednesday and we'll look at that with interest. Don't get me wrong, I love the guys with nous and a little bit of experience. I know what a difference it makes in terms of players with experience - such as Darren."