In a unique approach to team bonding ahead of their World Cup debut, Andy Robertson has organized a game of Traitors for the Scotland squad during their training camp in the United States. This event marks Scotland’s return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1998, with their opening match against Haiti in Boston.
Robertson emphasized the significance of unity within the team as they prepare for the tournament. Although he refrained from disclosing which players took on the roles of ‘faithful’ and ‘traitors,’ he explained the rationale behind incorporating the game into their routine.
“It was something we had done before and decided to do again because we can spend a lot of time in our rooms or on our own,” the captain noted. “It is not easy being away from your family, your kids. It was something to try and get people out of their rooms, give quieter people a voice and give newer players a voice. So those were the ideas behind it.
“It is not easy being away from your family, your kids. It was something to try and get people out of their rooms, give quieter people a voice and give newer players a voice. So those were the ideas behind it. “Whether it has worked or not, I am not sure, but we certainly enjoyed it. That was last week, that is what took up our time after training was done. It is just about trying different ways of making time pass quickly because we knew these two weeks would probably drag. You just want the first game to come. So that, along with other things, helped to just quicken the time. It hasn’t felt too long that we have been away.”
Scotland’s preparations have been further strengthened by the return of Scott McTominay, who missed training on Thursday due to a stomach issue but was back on the field by Friday. Manager Steve Clarke confirmed that McTominay is in “I think I have 26 superstars here,” shape, yet he downplayed the idea of him being the team’s sole star.
“To try and put so much on to one person is not fair. Everything over the last seven years has been the squad, the team, everyone being together and playing their part at certain times. We are delighted with Scott’s abilities and what he brings to the team but another 15 will have to do the same if we are going to have a positive tournament.” Clarke said. “It is important we respect the opposition,”
“Since they qualified they have improved the squad by bringing players in that have made them better. We think we know how they are going to play but obviously any team can become different. They have very dynamic players, especially the attacking players, so we have to be careful.”
