Scotland manager Steve Clarke believes that Liverpool star Andy Robertson has been too harshly criticised in a navy shirt.
The full-back has been in fine form for Liverpool again this season, netting his first goal of the season against Red Bull Salzburg recently.
Robertson netted against Salzburg recently. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
In a Scotland jersey though he has been criticised. Some fans have been unhappy with his performances, claiming they aren’t on par with his Anfield displays.
Clarke has defended the full-back amidst recent criticism.
He told the Scottish Daily Mail (page 116,06/10/19): “Andy took criticism last time but it was unfair criticism,’ said Clarke. ‘You have to balance all 11 players on the pitch and all three subs I use.
Clarke has defended Robertson after comparisons between his Scotland and Liverpool performances. (Photo by Alex Morton – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
“People say he doesn’t bring his Liverpool form to the Scotland team but the Scotland team isn’t the Liverpool team. One is club football — and I know this well — where you work with players day in and day out and they find a rhythm, a connection and a confidence with the people round about them.
“With the international group, it’s not like that. This camp is seven days long. You just don’t have that time where you can get those little connections with your teammates that you have at your club.”
Robertson will always be heavily scrutinised as Scotland captain
His role within the Scotland squad and star qualities at Liverpool result in Robertson being judged on everything he does at international level.
Robertson has been in fine form for the Reds. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Whether that’s fair or not is another question, but it certainly happens. Because of his superior ability, people expect far more from him.
What also must be appreciated is that Robertson will have bad days. He isn’t a robot, there will be times where his performances just aren’t there.
Unfortunately for him those days came back to back in big international games, with sections of the Tartan Army feeling no sympathy for their captain.
A harsh learning curve. (ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP/Getty Images)
Hopefully he can silence the critics against Russia this week.