Source: Team_Talk
Jefferies flattered by Scotland link
Burley was sacked after just 22 months in charge on Monday in the wake of Saturday's demoralising 3-0 friendly defeat in Wales.[LNB]Even before he was given the chop, Kilmarnock boss Jefferies was installed as one of the favourites to succeed him.[LNB]The 58-year-old former Falkirk and Hearts manager said: "I've been linked before with the position.[LNB]"What I've said many a time when I get linked with a job, whether it's the Scotland job or any other job, I never comment on that.[LNB]"The day I'll comment on anything like that is the day I get asked, and then I'll be able to say yes or no."[LNB]He added: "I have been linked and (it is) very flattering."[LNB]Jefferies expressed sympathy for Burley, who managed only three wins from his 14 games in charge.[LNB]"George would try 100 per cent, he's a very passionate man," Jefferies continued.[LNB]"Unfortunately for him, it didn't work out and he's had to face the consequences."[LNB]Jefferies believes the players must take their share of the responsibility for their performances on the field and behaviour off it during Burley's reign.[LNB]"The players are not entirely blameless," he said.[LNB]"I think Darren Fletcher's come out and said that."[LNB]Burley had been criticised for trying to play an expansive game with a squad used to focusing on being hard to beat.[LNB]Jefferies said: "The one thing I've always said with Scotland is, it's not how you play.[LNB]"People travel and spend a lot of money to see the team get a result.[LNB]"Because they don't play every week, it doesn't matter how they play.[LNB]"It's about qualifying and getting the points and not losing, because they've not got the same quality as a lot of the nations.[LNB]"If you open up a bit thinking you're going to entertain at that level, if you've not got the quality, it can be a problem.[LNB]"But you cannot criticise George for that because that's his philosophy and, if he did it that way, he's got to stand by it."[LNB][LNB] Next Permanent Scotland manager. Click here to bet.
