Berti Vogts has suggested that Scotland look to a foreign manager again after George Burley was sacked as national team manager on Monday. Vogts is the only foreigner to have taken charge of the Scottish national team in the past.
The former Germany manager said that a fresh approach from a manager with experience form elsewhere may help to change Scotland’s fortunes but he warned that expectations and a lack of faith in young players had added to the nation’s problems.
"Perhaps a foreign manager, with different ideas, could be the answer," said Vogts.
"The Republic of Ireland, for example, have benefited from the experience and the qualities of Giovanni Trapattoni.
"But the truth is, Scottish players aren't good enough any more. The young players have been neglected by the football authorities and by the big clubs, like Celtic and Rangers, who haven't done enough.
In two almost contradictory statements, Vogts said that although Scotland were a relatively small country, population size should be no barrier to success. However Vogts, who quit as Scotland boss in 2004, said that fans expecting World Cup qualification added to the problems faced by the man in charge of the national team.
"Being a small country is no excuse,” he said.
”Look at Holland, or Switzerland. The Swiss just won the Under-17 World Cup. They care about their future and they invest in it. Youth is the only way ahead for Scotland."
"There's a lot of pressure being the Scotland manager because people still think you should be playing at the World Cup. The media and the public must realise you have to earn the right to play at the biggest tournaments. It's not easy and history doesn't count for anything."
Since leaving the post of national team manager five years ago, having taken Scotland to their lowest ever world ranking, Vogts has remained in international management. The German had an 18-month spell in charge of Nigeria but resigned after poor performances in the African Cup of Nations. Vogts now manages Azerbaijan, whose Under-21 side were beaten 4-0 by Scotland last weekend.
