Levein reflected on the 2010 match against the Czech Republic, when Scotland used a 4-6-0 and would have settled for a draw. The game lacked chances for both sides, yet a set piece cost them the result. His takeaway: you can prepare for a specific outcome, but football’s unpredictability means there are no guarantees.
He believes Clarke’s composure, training methods, game plan, and team selection will shape the players’ mindset more than outside talk about needing only a point. Picking winger Ben Gannon-Doak, for example, could signal a more attacking intent.
Managers develop a feel for their squad’s mood, Levein added, and sometimes adding another forward is the nudge that tells everyone it’s time to take the handbrake off and go for it.