Scotland's players cannot give any more, says manager Gordon Strachan
Tuesday 11 October 2016 23:11, UK
Scotland's players cannot give any more, says manager Gordon Strachan following Tuesday's 3-0 defeat to Slovakia.
The Scots performed well in the first half in Trnava and although they were undone by a Robert Mak goal in the 18th minute, they looked capable of getting back on level terms.
But they were less productive in the second period, with Mak adding a second before Adam Nemec scored the third to see the visitors slip down to third in the World Cup qualifying Group F table.
Despite the loss, Strachan was quick to praise his players for their efforts at the Stadion Antona Malatinskeho and said they could not be trying harder.
"They can't give any more. The people I actually feel sorry for tonight is not myself, not the coaching staff but you feel for the players," he told Sky Sports after the game.
"They put so much in and for the fans that travelled all the way over here, they were terrific. We're 3-0 down and there's nothing drastic going on, but they are encouraging the players.
"They kept plugging away and kept trying to play the right way to try and get a goal to get us back into it and we had a few chances. We left ourselves open a few times but they got stuck in.
"They really are a great bunch in terms of not giving up and plugging away and it's heartwarming working with these guys."
The opening goal was a bittersweet one for Scotland as Steven Fletcher was fouled in the build-up without being awarded a free-kick to set Slovakia on their way.
Scotland are now one point from a play-off place and three off Group F leaders England, who they play next at Wembley in a month's time.
"That was perplexing [the first goal]. I'm wondering how he can't see that. That didn't help us, that's for sure. We're needing that wee break now and then," Strachan added.
"We're one point away from a play-off place at this moment. What we've got to do is find the right system to play the next game.
"We don't usually tinker with it to much. We had an extra midfield player tonight which we felt worked for a long period of the game. We will just have to look at it again."
