Tourney trip gives Yogi hope for Scots

Jun 15 2008 By Gordon Waddell

JOHN HUGHES jetted out to Euro 2008 to learn about the best the game has to offer - and flew back knowing we have most of it on our own doorstep.

The Falkirk boss was part of the first wave of the SFA's pro licence group sent out to analyse the cream of the continent on their way to football's top qualification.

And after taking in three matches and a training camp he believes the Scottish game should feel good about itself.

Yogi said: "We've had a fantastic experience watching so many different styles and cultures of football at work.

"We're all here to learn and see what we can take back into the Scottish game.

"But from what I've seen we need to stop being so down on ourselves. A lot of it reassures me we're doing things right.

"We're not far away from matching these guys. There are a lot of good things happening in the game at home, talented young coaches with good ideas.

"Look at what the clubs did in Europe last season, what the national team has done, the football some sides are playing.

"I was watching training and games at Euro 2008 and seeing stuff we're doing every day at home. That has to augur well."

Hughes' fascination with Dutch coaching methods got a run-out in midweek when he was asked to analyse Poland boss Leo Beenhakker's tactics.

The Bairns gaffer has been to Heerenveen as part of the course and said: "It was interesting to see Beenhakker up close.

"First I watched Poland v Germany and although both played similar shapes Germany's cutting edge was better with Klose and Gomez up front.

"The interesting thing was after 20 minutes Beenhakker made changes - not to the personnel or shape of his team - but just moving players around within it.

"Once this UEFA badge is done I need to find something else because this stuff stimulates me to be a better coach."