Ex-Mag John Carver has spoken about what Scotland must do in order to deny Aleksandr Mitrovic and his Serbian side a place at the Euros next summer.
Carver has recently linked up with Steve Clarke in a coaching role for Scotland – who are just one game away from reaching their first major tournament since 1998 and will face Serbia in a decider on November 12th.
Now the ex-Newcastle boss, who was dismissed from St James’ Park just months before the Serb’s arrival, has given The Chronicle an insight into the connection between the two and how he intends to stop him when they face off in November.
Here is what he said in full:
“As it happens, there are few people who know him better than me.
“I remember the transfer was in place. I watched video after video of him playing for Anderlecht.
“I was thinking: ‘This guy can score goals IF the service is right’.
“I know he can be a bit aggressive and wound up.
“I know a great deal about him.
“But I think we have enough from what I’ve seen over the last two games. “We restricted Mu’nas Dabbur and Eran Zahavi who are two good players and they didn’t get a shot on target.
“Mitro is a different type of player in that he is a box player.
“We have to make sure the service doesn’t come into him.
“That preparation has already started. I’ve already watched him recently too.”
I adore Scotland as a country – but not when it comes to football.
In the words of Kevin Keegan, “I would love it” if Mitrovic proves to be the talisman and dump them out of the qualifiers – breaking Scottish hearts once again and forcing them to watch England with the bitter resentment they usually do.
Mitrovic certainly has the capability to do just that – if he keeps that temperament in check. It will be the biggest game in a generation for Scotland and, unfortunately for those north of the border, they’ll have John Carver in the dugout coaching it for them.
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God he’s an idiot. I remember Mitro joining us and all he could talk about was how big and aggressive he was and how he was going to smash opponents. It’s no surprise he ended up getting fouled and then wound up and red carded. He should have been saying what a quiet lad he is, a gentle giant, actually coaching that attitude out of him rather than giving every ref and defender and easy run at him.
Charlie Hopkins(Quote)
Carver is an arrogant piece of **** isn’t he? Really high opinion of himself. Proved himself completely useless as a manager and continues to cheat a living as backroom staff.
Anthony(Quote)