Steve Clarke has advised his Scotland players to disregard the spectacle surrounding the Euro 2024 opener against Germany in Munich and focus solely on their performance.
The Scots will take center stage at the Allianz Arena after a grand opening ceremony watched by millions across Europe and the globe.
Clarke wants his team to block out the noise once the formalities conclude and concentrate on the game as they aim to advance beyond the group stage of a major tournament for the first time.
He also urged his players to disregard any notion of a host nation in disarray following reports of a training ground altercation between teammates Antonio Rudiger and Niclas Fullkrug.
“Individually, they need to understand that we’re not there for the occasion,” Clarke stated. “We’re there for the game, and the vast majority will grasp that.”
“The pre-match routine will differ due to the show on the pitch. It will be entirely different, and we’ll discuss it.”
The Allianz Arena in Munich will be a spectacle of color and sound during the opening ceremony.
Clarke has instructed his players to disregard the ‘circus’ and concentrate on the game.
German fans are expected to generate a lively atmosphere for the opening game.
“We’ll inform the players to anticipate something different, to adapt and be ready. Forget the circus surrounding us and enjoy the game.”
Regarding the story in Bild, which claimed Germany assistant coach Sandro Wagner had to separate Rudiger and Fullkrug after they nearly came to blows, Clarke believes it indicates that Julian Nagelsmann’s team is highly motivated for the tournament.
“Everyone told me when the draw was made that Germany wasn’t in a good place. I wasn’t fooled. I didn’t buy into that talk,” he said.
“You know that when it comes to a major tournament, Germany is always ready.
“It’s a home tournament. You know they’re going to be really up for this one.
“There was a story in the media about a minor scuffle on their training pitch. That tells me they’re ready and eager.
“We anticipate a very strong Germany team, but hopefully, they will face a formidable Scotland side. Julian Nagelsmann has taken some time to implement his vision, but that’s normal.
“In recent friendlies, they’ve resembled their old selves. I’m anticipating a strong performance. Play to the best of your ability, and we’ll see what happens.”
Billy Gilmour shares a laugh with McCrorie, Hendry, and McLean on his birthday on Tuesday.
Midfielder Gilmour is surrounded by well-wishers from the squad during a lighthearted moment.
Ryan Christie strides forward ahead of the opening game with Germany on Friday.
Captain Andrew Robertson and striker Lawrence Shankland shook off injury concerns to train on Tuesday. With the Tartan Army gathering in the Bavarian capital, Clarke wants to give Scotland fans something to celebrate.
“I’m aware that it’s been a long time since Scotland last participated in a major international tournament, allowing everyone to travel and feel like they’re on vacation,” he told Scotland National Team channels.
“We’re here to ensure that everyone returns home with a smile on their face in three, hopefully four, weeks. To achieve that, we must remain focused.
“Many back in Scotland will hopefully enjoy watching us on TV. For those who have traveled, I hope the team gives you something to cheer about—in a positive way, not a negative one!
“Hopefully, we give them a reason to enjoy the games and be part of a Scotland team that creates history. I’m excited, of course. Who wouldn’t be?”
Aside from the opening ceremony’s glitz and glamour, there will be a poignant moment when German legend Franz Beckenbauer’s widow, Heidi, carries the Henri Delaunay Cup onto the pitch with Germany’s two surviving European Championship-winning captains, Bernard Dietz and Jurgen Klinsmann.
