In an exclusive interview with TopOffshoreCasinos.com, ex-Celtic manager Gordon Strachan talks transfers, speaking about the summer signing saga of Adam Idah and who Brendan Rodgers should be targeting in the transfer market.

Full Transcript

Celtic

Question: Celtic got off to a flyer in the SPFL. Are they reaping the dividends of an eye-catching pre-season where they took some big sculps against the likes of Chelsea and Man City?

Gordon Strachan: “I don’t often get excited about pre-season. Managers typically don’t, players focus on fitness. The fans like it, of course. They’ll always be concerned if their team is performing badly and delighted if their team has done well. There’s a lot of bluster on social media and seasons are getting defined by what a club produces on tour. Seasons are going to be tremendous or doomed… but, I have to say, after watching Celtic’s pre-season and the games, this is the first time that I’ve ever been excited by a pre-season performance from a team.

Celtic had a terrific pre-season, and they carried that form into the opening SPFL fixture against Kilmarnock. It could have been any score on Sunday.”

Q: Strachan on reasons for Celtic’s flying opener against Killie

Gordon Strachan: “I look at the pre-season form and think there are a couple of things that have happened to Celtic since last season. The players have adapted more to what Brendan Rodgers is looking to do tactically, and the way that he wants to play is a bit of hybrid of what made Celtic such an exciting team to watch under Ange Postecoglou and his possession-based, technical football. The players are more comfortable with this approach now.

Last season, after a slow start, there were questions being asked of Brendan. We weren’t really sure what direction the team was heading in. It was difficult for him because Celtic were so successful the season before, and the football was a little bit muddled. Brendan obviously wanted to put a stamp on the team in terms of playing style, and I think he’s found a brand of football that incorporates the best bits of Ange and his own ideas.

it’s difficult for a manager when you take over a club that won everything the season before, and Brendan found that even with his experience of managing Celtic in the past.

There are little differences that you notice between the two managers playing styles. Under Ange, the two fullbacks would come inside and do their thing in the middle of the park.

Now, Taylor is the only fullback that does that. Brendan doesn’t want his two full backs coming in at any time, he wants his right back to overlap and add more width to the team.”

Q: Celtic reaping the rewards of a settled team

Gordon Strachan: “The team that played against Killie is the same team and group of players that finished last season. There are boys back who had a couple of injuries, but it’s literally the same team.

We’re talking about systems and tactics, but the Celtic midfield three were outstanding in the opening game and I think that midfield has a perfect balance. They have been outstanding for a long time. There performances are so consistent.

I think that the reason that midfield trio is so good is down to the fact that they know each other. It’s a very settled three.

Paulo Bernardo has come back in. I think there’ll be more there – I think Brendan will be looking to add a few more players to improve the squad as a whole. To take the next step as a club, to go a step further in the Champions League, Celtic need to add more quality to the squad. I’m certain that the club will bring in reinforcements before the end of the transfer window.

A lot of the other clubs in Scotland have made changes this summer. Compared to every other team in the country, Celtic are the most settled; consistent. That will help them this season too.

At the moment, with the team that Celtic have got, domestically, they don’t really need to change or adapt anything. They look ready to go on the domestic front, but when they go into the Champions League, they will need better players in the squad. There’s no doubt about that.”

Q: Brendan transfer demands

Gordon Strachan: “The funny thing about Brendan saying he wants more players is, and we need to clarify that this isn’t a manager who is getting in a huff because he hasn’t got any new toys to play with, is that people ask him the question and he has to respond to it.

Would you like new signings, Brendan? Yes I would. It’s not like Brendan comes out and says: “I need new players, give me new players, I want new players,” (laughs).

If you asked Brendan after the Killie game, ‘Brendan, would you like to go in your car and go home and have a glass of wine?’ He would say: “Yes, thank you.” That’s what I want to do. That’s where I want to go. I don’t want to speak to you guys (laughs). I don’t want to explain myself every time I get here. I’d rather be at home.

Brendan Rodgers singled-out the performance of Reo Hatate. How important will he be for Celtic this season especially if the club do sell O’Riley.

Listen, he’s a top, top player Reo Hatate. He can make things happen and he has the attributes that all the top midfielders have in their locker. He can receive the ball and beat you. He can see passes. If he can add goals on top of what he has, then you’ve got a top, top midfield player.

The modern midfield player must have the ability to beat people when it’s getting tight, when things are congested on the pitch. Hatate can roll players; he can find spaces.

My son Gavin works with him a lot and he really likes what he sees. What Celtic have to do with these three midfield players is to make sure that if any of them gets injured, there’s somebody up to that standard that comes in because they’re so comfortable together.

I mean, seriously, McGregor, Hatate, O’Riley they’re so comfortable. It’s unbelievable.”

Q: Are there any players that you would like to single-out for praise after the 4-0 victory over Killie?

Gordon Strachan: “Funnily enough, the player that caught my eye was the one player that everyone seems so keen to move on from the club and that is Greg Taylor. To clarify, I don’t want him to leave the club, it’s just that is the position where there is the most chatter, but you have to admire his character and his resilience as a player.

Celtic need to bring in another left back, they need more depth across the board, but Taylor stood out for me because he moves into midfield and looks comfortable playing with McGregor, Hatate and O’Riley. By moving into the midfield, he allows James Forest to see more of the ball.

He’s got great energy. I really like him. I like him because of his attitude and his ability to put in the back of his mind that there’s always been somebody coming to replace him for the last three years.

There’s all sorts of stats on football players and what they do, physical stats and attributes. The one thing you can’t measure with stats is a player’s heart. No stats can tell you that, you have to see it with your own eyes, and that attribute is just as important as anything else. His heart is absolutely huge.”

Q: On the revamped Champions League

Gordon Strachan: “I’m quite looking forward to seeing the new changes in the Champions League. When I’ve watched it over the last few seasons, it was getting to the stage where I actually thought that the group stage was getting a bit boring, to be honest with you.

It was a bit like here we go again. More of the same. Sometimes people don’t like change, but I think change has been good for the competition over the years, so I’m pleased they’ve looked at it. it’s nice that UEFA have changed it again. I’m looking forward to it starting properly in September.

Brendan has spoken about qualifying for the play-off spots within the new-look Champions League. Do you think the new format of the competition will give him an even better chance of breaking that Champions League hoodoo and taking the club into the KO rounds?

Well, there will still be 35 other clubs in there to compete with (laughs)! You still have to beat teams.”

Gordon Strachan: “In theory, you’d think that this could make progressing to the KO rounds a wee bit easier because there are more games and more opportunities to win. An extra home game at Celtic Park with the atmosphere that the fans can create will be a massive boost for the club.

Most of the teams in the tournament will play at a high standard. There are some great, giant teams in there too. I think what Celtic need to do in the Champions League is exactly what Scotland did when they qualified for the European Championships, you need one major scalp under your belt. If you can do that, then you’ll have a chance (of qualifying).

Scotland got theirs against Spain. In the old format, my teams got a couple in the group stages. We beat AC Milan; we beat Man United. Those were special nights.”

Q: Brendan has spoken about strengthening the squad, mentioning having a good crack at the Champions League. What areas do you think he will be looking to improve?

Gordon Strachan: “I think Brendan will be looking at every part of the squad. It’s about having greater depth, better options and having players that can step into the team without losing that quality.

At the moment, I think the most pressing position is Striker. If Kyogo gets injured, there’s nobody to play there. That needs to be addressed and quickly.”

Q: One player they are reportedly looking at in the striker position is Adam Idah. Do you think Adam Idah did enough on loan last season to merit a permanent transfer to the club this summer?

Gordon Strachan: “I thought Idah performed well last season. He’s got talent, he’s got strength. But then he’s got to say to himself, am I happy with that or can I do more? Do I want to become a top, top player.

That’s where his career is now. It’s decision time. Is he happy with what he can do, or does he want to put the work in and develop into something a bit special?

He wasn’t getting a game at Norwich last season. There has to be question marks about your attitude if that’s the case. He needs to look at the question marks and eradicate them.

It’s easy to pick up a label as a player. Sometimes they are right, sometimes they are wrong. Your ability will be questioned throughout your career; mentally, physical, technical ability. If he re-signs, he’s got the opportunity to put some of those doubts to bed, but Celtic Football Club will test all of those things, don’t worry about that!

He has the tools to be a top player. If you have the tools to be a top player, then your career development is on you. It’s not down to the coaches to put an arm around you, and when you hear that, it basically means the player needs a kick up the backside. I’ve heard that so many times from players that didn’t fulfill their promise – they blame everyone else.

Idah’s destiny is in his own hands. If you’re looking for a player that has made the most of the opportunities that he’s been given and worked tirelessly, then Matt O’Riley is your man. He’s the perfect example. He comes to Celtic from MK Dons and grabbed the opportunity. He came as an unknown player, and over the last few years he’s developed into an unbelievable player. That’s the path that I would like to see Idah follow if he joins the club.”

Q: Your team played some good football, but they boxed clever in the Champions League and you had some really solid players in the middle of the park that would go to battle for you against some really top teams and players. Do you believe Celtic have to change their style in Europe against better sides instead of going toe to toe with them? Should Brendan be more pragmatic?

Gordon Strachan: “The game was different then. It was a bit more brutal. The surfaces weren’t the same. Most teams weren’t passing from the goalkeeper, so it’s changed a bit.

The ability of the teams we played against, like Barcelona and AC Milan, the great AC Milan team. The great Man United team. When we came up against those teams, my philosophy was not taking them on at their own game.

We’ll play our game, but we’re not going to take them on at their own game. So, we found ways to win. We picked up some massive results against the big boys, against Barcelona, we found a way. We scored two good goals.

My philosophy was let’s make things difficult for the opponent. I didn’t want to lose first and foremost, so it was about not getting beat and trying to win. I liked winning, that’s why we didn’t try to play toe-to-toe with these guys because individually, they had better quality.

I think there has to be a level of adaption when you play in the Champions League against the top teams. There must be some variation in your play. If you’re one-dimensional, then that can be a bit of a problem.”

Q: Can Celtic change because they keep working day in, day out on the same things?

Gordon Strachan: “Can they start flinging balls over the top and chucking balls in the box? I don’t think they can because at the moment Kyogo’s there, so they have to work their way through.

I think they will persevere with the same tactical approach that we see every week. They just need to keep believing in their football. I don’t expect Brendan to abandon his philosophy when he comes up against a team like Real Madrid. For Celtic to make progress, they need a scalp or two and to produce in the games against the weaker clubs in the competition.”

Q: Do you see a game changing player at Celtic right now who could turn a game in Europe? A Nakamura type who could give Celtic that extra edge?

Gordon Strachan: “I played with and managed some exceptional players during my career. In terms of pure footballing brilliance, Shunsuke Nakamura had that magic. I’m not saying he’s the best footballer I’ve worked with, but the purest in terms of touch and vision.

I worked with great players. Roy Keane, Stan Petrov, Chris Sutton. Gary McAllister, Shaun Maloney, and he was the most gifted. If you think back to some of the surfaces that my teams played on, we’re talking some absolute bogs sometimes, Naka could do it on any of them.

Maybe I’m being biased because he was my player, but I don’t see anyone like him in the Celtic squad. I do think that McGregor, Hatate and O’Riley they are wonderful players who are so important to the team.

Sometimes, you can rely too much on one player. The good thing about those three is that if one of them is having a bad day, the chances are the other two will be able to make up for that.”

Q: On Matt O’Riley’s Celtic future

Gordon Strachan: “I’ve got to say that I’ve been really impressed by how Matt O’Riley has handled the speculation about his future at the club.

I’ve dealt with players who act very strangely when there’s a potential transfer coming up at this time of the year, and we’ve fallen out, the player and myself.

I actually explained to one player once, I said: “You’re OK just now, but once it gets near August and you’ve not got your move, you’re going to act very strangely. You’re not going to like me and you’re not got to like the club. I’m not going to like you.”

And that’s what materialized. Then two months later, when he went to his club, his choice, which I said would always happen, he apologised for his behaviour. That’s a good man (laughs).

If there are any kids out there watching a player to see how you deal with that level of speculation, then Matt O’Riley is the perfect example to follow. Watch how he’s behaved. He’s been absolutely brilliant. He’s never got caught up in the media.

His form has been brilliant. Nobody’s made an excuse for him because they haven’t needed too. The good thing about Matt O’Riley is that he’s a great character. If he does move on this summer, if a giant like Real Madrid or Barcelona came in for him after a few seasons, he would react exactly the same way. He wouldn’t kick up a fuss or throw his toys out of the pram.

I get worried when I hear about players who are pushing to move and don’t turn up to training or get a mysterious injury. Those guys affect the players around them and bring negativity into your club. As a manager, if you sign someone that does that, they’ll do that to you the next time they want to move on.”

Scotland

Q: Kieran Tierney sadly picked up another injury during the European Championship. It must have been so difficult for him and will have created problems in terms of his long-term future, which is unlikely to be with Arsenal. You know KT’s character – how will this latest injury affected him and what do you think the future holds for KT in terms of his next move?

Gordon Strachan: “It’s really sad that Kieran Tierney got injured because he’s got wonderful ability. It’s difficult for me to say what the future holds for KT as we don’t really know the full extent of his injury and his recovery time.

What you can say is that the injury couldn’t have happened at a worse time. He missed the European Championships, and it will have likely disrupted any plans he had for himself this summer in terms of playing regular football.

Of course, he’ll be working hard at his rehabilitation – sadly, he’s been in this position before – but if it’s a recurring injury then you do a worry about that.

You can’t question his character and who he is as a person. He has an unbelievable character. He wasn’t one of these prodgies that’s been handed everything, he worked for everything he got at Celtic. He’s a reminder to all these kids that move at a young age for a few extra quid and never see their careers catch fire.

KT came through with Forest and McGregor. There’s a common denominator between the three of them – they are all hard-working, humble guys. Nothing flashy about any of them.

I just really hope that he can come back from this and stay fit. He should be looking to stay fit for a full season, and if he can do that, then someone will have a top player on their hands. He can play at left back, he can play wing back, centre back – he’s a wonderful character in the dressing room. He’s got a good heart.”

Q: Your old player and current Rangers boss Philippe Clement signed a contract extension with the club last week. Citing his love for the city, the fans and the potential of the club – how would you assess his first year in the job and are you surprised that Rangers have tied him down until 2028?

Gordon Strachan: “The Rangers fans like his demeanour. Philippe Clement has that straightforward, straight-talking demeanour that the fans of the club like. He isn’t a complicated guy, and it appears that everyone at the club is united behind him and the decisions that he is making.

Football isn’t a complicated game, it’s the outside elements that can sometimes make it seem that way. I think Clement’s biggest challenge will be dealing with a large turnover of his playing squad.

He got off to a really good start. He got the most out of his group, but there was a little blip for Rangers last season, and he found out that once you’re in control of the league title, you can’t fall behind because it’s very hard to catch-up. When you’re chasing a Celtic team with momentum, it’s really difficult to overhaul that.

There’s a lot happening at the football club at the moment. There are things that are happening that will be affecting his ability to concentrate solely on managing his players like the renovations at Ibrox and moving to the national stadium temporarily. I think he’s dealt with the challenges he’s faced quite well.

The club hierarchy have obviously decided that they like this fella and want him to stick around.”

Q: Clements Rangers problem?

Gordon Strachan: “The problem that Philippe Clement has is if you look at the Celtic team that played on Sunday, it was literally the same team as last season. If you look at his own team, there have been a lot of changes this summer.

This is a very different group of players to the team he had last season. I think he understand that when you’re the Rangers manager, you may have to take a few hits – I certainly did when I was the Celtic manager! Sometimes it takes a few smacks in the face before you get things right at a club.”

Q: Rangers have a crucial Champions League qualifier with Dynamo Kiev on the horizon. For Scottish football, would you like to see Rangers make it into the Champions League proper?

Gordon Strachan: “It would be wonderful for Scottish football if Rangers could get into the Champions League. Everyone benefits in terms of the co-efficient for Scottish football increasing and there is a trickle-down effect.

They have a tough tie to overcome against Dynamo Kiev and, if they can get past them, then they have to play one of RB Salzburg or FC Twente, so it’s no forgone conclusion and it will be difficult for them.

You have to remember that I work for Dundee too, so the more progress that Celtic and Rangers have in Europe, the better that it is for us in the long-term. It brings finances into our club, so I hope both of them are successful in Europe this season.

I don’t want Rangers to do terrifically well. I’m not saying I hope Rangers can win the Champions League, but it would be nice if they could make it into the tournament properly and, when they’re there, finish bottom of the group (laughs).

On a serious note, the Scottish FA should be doing everything that they can to support our clubs that play in Europe. I hope they all do well.”

Manchester United

Q: It feels like a big season for Manchester United this year, the first full season under INEOS. They made the decision to continue with Erik ten Hag – but even after he signed a contract extension, his future doesn’t feel iron clad. Will the baggage and doubts about his future from last season ensure he starts this one under even more pressure on his shoulders?

Gordon Strachan: “No, I don’t think that Erik ten Hag will go into the new season with any extra pressure on his shoulders after the doubts about his future this summer. I don’t think he’ll be carrying any of that baggage with him.

As a manager, there’s a point to where the negativity about you, the difficult questions in the press and the rumours need to be put to one side. You have to forget about all of the noise and not let it distract you from your job, but it can be hard to do that.

Once you can do that, once that criticism and the press becomes part of your lifestyle, you don’t even give it a second thought and understand that it’s just part of the territory in managing a massive club.

It’s not going to kill you. You think to yourself, I’m still a decent fella. I still like the club and my players. We’ll just crack on, shall we? The rumours and press reports haven’t changed me. It’s not changed my life.

The ambition from ten Hag will be exactly the same as it was when he walked through the door two years ago: he will want to make Manchester United better. That’s what Manchester United need to do, they must improve.

Manchester United has been a circus since Sir Alex left

If you look at what Manchester United has been like in the last ten years, it’s almost as if the club has become a place where players can pick up fantastic wages without winning anything.

Some players have joined without having the right attitude and desire, with some of these guys more concerned with having the club on their Instagram pages! That’s not the attitude that Manchester United was built on. If you’re going to do that, then you need to be shown the door. Do us a favour and leave the club.

Over the last ten years, Manchester United has changed from a winning club to a glamourous club that come to town and aren’t very good. It’s been like the circus coming to town for the last ten years.

When Alex Ferguson was in charge, it was like the army is coming to town. They turned up and won.”

Q: United appointed Ruud van Nistelrooy to Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff apparently with the manager’s blessing. This kind of feels like it could be a case of keep your friends close and your enemies closer regarding ten Hag’s future. What do you think of the club’s decision to bring in such an iconic and beloved figure into ten Hag’s coaching team and is there any danger that he could replace him?

Gordon Strachan: “No, I don’t think that Erik ten Hag will be looking at Ruud van Nistelrooy and thinking to himself that man wants my job. You can’t be looking over your shoulder as a manager, that’s the last thing you would do.

I think it would be far too obvious if the club are thinking about replacing ten Hag with Ruud van Nistelrooy. It would be too transparent.

As a manager, it’s just another part of the job that he has to deal with. I’ve managed clubs where certain players have really close relationships with the hierarchy of executives, and you just have to get on with it.

I just can’t see the people who are calling the shots appointing van Nistelrooy if things turn sour. It’s like having a burglar sitting in the dugout wearing a balaclava and a hooped shirt carrying a swag bag.”

Q: It was a less than stellar season for several Manchester United players last season. Under a new regime, are players like Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount playing for their United careers this season?

Gordon Strachan: “There are a lot of question marks about some of Manchester United’s so-called big players, guys like Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount. Mason Mount was injured last season and it can take time to get used to a new club.

The problem that Man United have had over the last few years, is that so many of these underperforming players are on huge wages, so it’s hard to move them on. It’s up to ten Hag and his team to get the best out of their talent and it’s up to the players to want to improve and be better.

For years now players have been allowed to get away with sub-standard performances. There’s a nice lifestyle that comes with being a Manchester United player, and a lot of these guys just look pleased to be in the shirt and at the club.

For Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount, they need to decide what type of career they want to have at the club. They have to show the right application and commitment every single day. We know Marcus can do it after what he has shown during his career, and to be fair to Mason Mount he was injured most of last season so I’m sure he’ll be hungry to prove the doubters wrong.

If as a manager, you’re looking in the eyes of these guys, and that goes for every player at the club, and they don’t understand how big Manchester United is and what it means to play for the football club, how privileged they are, then they shouldn’t be there. They need to think that losing a game of football for Manchester United is the most horrible thing in the world.

Several Manchester United players need to deliver this season. It’s that simple.

Scott McTominay symbolises a player that’s really fought for his Man United career. And last year, I loved the fact that even when the club was so keen on selling him, he refused to throw in the towel.”

Q: It’s another summer of speculation for Scott McTominay. The club are apparently open to selling the player, with Tottenham and Fulham interested. I know you’re a big fan of the player, if he were to move on, what type of a player and a personality would potential club’s be acquiring?

Gordon Strachan: “Scott is a hard-working, committed player. He’s been linked with an exit for the last few seasons, but his application and desire has never been found wanting. He has fought for his place at the club. There has been a lot of talk about his ability, and he was identified as a player that could be upgraded, but when Manchester United needed a big moment last season, he would often provide it.

If he’s enjoying what he’s doing at Man United, if he’s enjoying playing a squad role, then I think he should stay at the club. He’s one of the first names on the Scotland team sheet, so he doesn’t need to worry about his Manchester United game time affecting his international career.

If it was me, at this stage, I would want to go and play football every single week. I would want to go and prove that I’m a top player in the Premier League. He’s had some great times at Manchester United, and it’s a hard club to leave, but I think he should be playing week-in, week-out at his age.”

Q: We’ve got the Community Shield coming up. What’s your perspective on that and from a manager’s point of view, what would you be looking to take from the game?

Gordon Strachan: “Listen, as a manager you want to win every single game of football, that’s what you’re in management to do.

It makes me laugh when I hear managers counting the Community Shield as a trophy. It’s a glorified friendly match, a nice day out for the fans. In fact, I forgot that I even played in a few of them!

Now that we’re talking about it, in 1992 I was playing for Leeds, we beat Liverpool 4-3 and I scored one of the best but worst own goals you will ever see! That’s the only thing that I can remember about the Community Shield. Oh, and Big Eric Cantona got a hattrick. I think I might have lost one to Everton, I really can’t remember!

From the manager’s point of view, you’ll be looking to win the match. You’ll want to see how your new signings are integrating, but what is more important is seeing that your players are ready for when the season starts properly the following Friday at home to Fulham.”

Q: United open their Premier League campaign with a home fixture against Fulham. From a managers perspective, after everything that has gone on since the club won the FA Cup, how important is it for Erik ten Hag to oversee a convincing performance and get off to a good start?

Gordon Strachan: “I think it’s really important for Erik ten Hag to get the season off to a good start, but that’s the same every year. You want to win you’re opening game of the season.

I can understand why there is so much pressure managing Manchester United, but that is part and parcel of the job. The club has fans all over the world who are very demanding. The club is built on winning, and the new owners will want to get things off to a good start in their first full season running the football department.

There will be pressure to win on Friday night. It won’t be easy; Fulham beat them last season at Old Trafford. When you play for or manage Manchester United, it can be stressful, more stressful as a manager. There’s a reason why Erik ten Hag is on a big salary and it’s because he has to deal with the stress of managing a massive club like Manchester United.

I’ve said it time and time again, if you don’t want that stress of working in that environment, if you can’t handle the demands and the pressure, then go and work at Rochdale.

Picking the team and coaching players, most managers would do that for free. It’s the stress that gets you, and that’s part of the deal when you’re managing Manchester United.”

Tottenham

Q: Ange Postecoglou was loved by everyone for his unwavering approach to playing football last season. Do you expect him to find things a little bit more tricky this season as teams come to terms with his tactical approach?

Gordon Strachan: “No, I don’t expect Ange Postecoglou to find his second season in the Premier League a little bit more difficult than the first. In theory, things should be easier for him because his players will have a greater understanding of his demands after working with him for a season.

In terms of his playing style, I think he’ll be looking to do what he did last season. He won’t change, the only changes that he will be thinking about are how to improve what he already has.

He’ll keep the same style and try to make it better. That’s what he’s got to do. Make it better, quicker, stronger. Technically better. That will be the ambition this season.”

Q: One of the criticisms levelled at Ange towards the end of last season was that he didn’t have a plan b. Give me the managers perspective on that, is that a bit daft?

Gordon Strachan: “I think that most managers have adapted their playing styles over the years. When you manage different clubs, sometimes you can’t play the same way as you did at your last club because you don’t have the players to go out and do what you want from them.

When I managed Coventry, I had two approaches, one for when we played the best teams and one where we played teams that were a similar level to us.

I don’t think that Ange does that. I don’t think he’ll change anything about the way he wants to play and will be thinking about a plan b. There’s a stubbornness that you need to have as a manager, and it’s a great trait if you want to achieve things and convince your players to go on the journey with you. Ange has got that.

In fact, the only time when stubbornness isn’t helpful is when you’re married. Then stubbornness is useless.

But in football management, it’s great. It allows you to stick to your playing principles and philosophy. You’ve got to admire someone like Ange for being so committed to playing his brand of football.”

Q: What do you expect from this team? Can Tottenham mount a serious title challenge, should they be looking at the top four? What do you think is the objective?

Gordon Strachan: “I expect the football that Tottenham play this season to be even more dynamic; quicker, faster. I expect to see that improvement as the players become accustomed to what Ange wants from them.”

Q: Do I think they can challenge for the Premier League title?

Gordon Strachan: “Probably not. I hope they can because I like Ange. I think it will be the same three clubs at the top again: Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool. I hope I’m wrong and Tottenham can get in there, but I think that it might be too much of a mountain to climb for them.

Can I see Tottenham winning the title? I don’t think that I can. Can I see them being the team that everyone wants to tune into and watch? Absolutely. They were the great entertainers in the Premier League last season, and you know when you watch them, you’re going to see exciting football. Something always happens in their matches.”

Q: Former Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray joined Spurs earlier in the summer. Obviously, he is a player you know well, has he joined the perfect club to continue his development under the guidance of Ange?

Gordon Strachan: “I think young Archie missed Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds; he missed his hands-on development to be honest with you.

There are similarities between Bielsa and Ange, so in that regard, it’s a good fit for him.

The good thing about Archie is that last season he demonstrated his durability and also his versatility. He practically played in every single game and he was asked to perform several roles – that’s impressive to play for a massive club like Leeds United at his tender age.

He’s got everything in his locker to become a top player. He can mix it up, he can handle the challenges, but he can also play. He’s got good physical attributes and he’s got a good brain on him. His decision-making as a player is first class and he’s only 18. He’ a ridiculous talent.

I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do in the Premier League. I was still going to pubs in Dundee on a Thursday at 18 when I was a young pro (laughs)!”

Southampton

Q: Russell Martin is a man that you know really well. Have you given him any advice of how to handle the pressure cooker environment of Premier League management with Southampton?

Gordon Strachan: “No, no, no. I would never give Russell any advice on what it’s like to manage in the Premier League, and he doesn’t need it from me! I picked Russell in my Scotland teams, and, when he was in the camp, we used to speak about football a lot. One of the reasons I picked him so often was because of the way he saw the game and what he brought to the organizational structure of my team on the pitch. He wasn’t the quickest, he wasn’t the tallest, but he could think through the game.

I don’t speak to Russell all that often. I’ve sent him a couple of texts saying, well done.”

Q: Martin’s tams have been lauded for the brand of football that they play. Do you expect him to continue with that approach in the Premier League?

Gordon Strachan: “He’s not going to change his philosophy. He didn’t do it at MK Dons, he didn’t do it at Swansea. In his own words, I don’t think that he did a spectacular job at Swansea. When you look at it, there was nothing spectacular going on in terms of huge improvements in terms of league positions.

What has served him well is his commitment to playing his type of football. He stuck to his principles and Southampton obviously liked what they saw and gave him the opportunity last season. In many ways, his stubbornness got him the job, and I wouldn’t expect that to change any time soon.

He overcame some moments of adversity last season. When the results weren’t brilliant, he kept plugging away. Eventually, he got his team back in the Premier League. That’s down to his stubbornness and his knowledge of the game.

He’s absolutely not going to change his approach because he’s managing in Premier League football. I can’t see that happening whatsoever.

It’s an old cliché, but is survival the goal for Southampton this season and do you think they can achieve it?

I would have thought that survival will be the target at Southampton this season. The club will want to retain its status in the league and build from there, so fourth bottom will be the target.”

Leeds United

What are your thoughts on Leeds’ promotion prospects this season?

Gordon Strachan: “I was a wee bit worried about Leeds when I saw them losing some of their best players this summer. I never watched the game, but my friend was at the game on Saturday when Leeds played Valencia, and he said they were terrific.

I just worry that we might have lost too many players to challenge for automatic promotion. Finishing in the top two will be the target, but there have been so many changes at the club, and it feels like there has been a lot of upheaval, especially when it comes to losing your best players like Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville.

If they can finish in the top six, then I think that would be a good season for Leeds. There may have to be come consolidating. The club needs to deal with the higher earners and move some of them on. Anyone that isn’t prepared to roll up their sleeves and fight for a season in the Championship needs to be shown the door.

I think once they can do that and get the balance right in the hierarchy of the squad, then I think the club will have a really good chance to have a go at automatic promotion the following season.

I hope I’m wrong. I hope Leeds go straight up, but I think it might be harder for these players this time around because it has been quite a traumatic couple of years at the club, especially after losing the play-off final.

It’s essential that they move out the guys on the big wages that don’t want to be there or who they simply can’t afford. You can’t have passengers in the Championship.”

Q: Is it promotion or bust for Daniel Farke?

Gordon Strachan: “No, no, I don’t think its promotion or bust for Daniel Farke this season. He’s got pedigree in the Championship in terms of getting teams promoted. His record in the league mis as good as anyone’s.

He’s also a stubborn manager. He knows what to do and he knows how to get to the Premier League, so I wouldn’t think the club will be thinking about moving him on this season or next.”

Coventry City

Q: What do you think about the appointment of George Boateng as a first team coach (George was signed by Gordon back in the late 90s at Cov) and what qualities he thinks he’ll bring to the club?

Gordon Strachan: “I’ve not seen George working as a coach so it would be hard to say what qualities he will bring to the coaching staff at Coventry.

It’s funny, because the last time I spoke to George, he was working as a coach in the Aston Villa youth team. It was a good chat because he was sharing his frustrations with me about what instructions he could and couldn’t give his players and I had to remind him that was what he was like when I was managing him!

Sometimes we clashed and were at loggerheads. It did make me laugh that he was asking his own players exactly what I was telling him years ago, and he couldn’t understand why they couldn’t take it in.

I’m thinking to myself, really George. I hope he can be a success at Coventry, and I look forward to seeing what he brings to the table.”

Q: Were you surprised by the departure of Adi Viveash who did most of the coaching and is that a concern or case of a fresh start with new coaches with new or different ideas or ways of working?

Gordon Strachan: “I was surprised by the departure of Adi Viveash. Nobody really saw that coming, or at least that is what it looked like from outside the club.

It was such a perfect partnership between Adi and Mark Robins. Like all good partnerships, sometimes things can come to an end. It can happen, sometimes people can have enough.

All that we know about the partnership between the two of them was that it was good. If it was Mark’s decision to end things, then you can’t question that because he gets most things right and has done since he’s been at the club.

The only two people will know (why they have decided to part ways) is Mark and Adi. The chemistry between them might be fading a wee bit and, sometimes, you need a different voice in the dressing room as a manager and different ideas.

The two of them together have been magnificent for Coventry. They have taken the club forward. The stadium is full again, there have been some unbelievable highs along the way. It’s been an excellent period if you’re a Coventry fan and their partnership has been fundamental to that success.”