Analysis: ‘Martinez Losa’s failure with talented squad is inexcusable’

Three-and-a-half years of failure have, finally, come to an end.

Pedro Martinez Losa’s appointment came at a crucial time, when Scotland had just missed out a third consecutive major tournament appearance.

His remit was clear. Get the national team back to the top table. Instead, he leaves having suffered two play-off final defeats.

That in itself was poor enough, but with the talented squad he had at his disposal hitting their prime, it was inexcusable.

As was the way Scotland played at times. The Spaniard promised an attack-minded, possession-based style of play. Fleetingly during his spell did we see it.

The first leg of the recent Euro 2025 play-off final against Finland at Easter Road was flat and flimsy with imagination and intent strangers to the cause.

It left an uphill battle in Helsinki where, after being 2-0 down in just 28 minutes, Martinez Losa brought on defenders Lisa Evans and Emma Mukandi, both 32, as second-half substitutes.

As eyebrow-raising a decision that was, none were more shocking than the Scottish FA’s decision to hand him a contract extension to 2027 last September.

It felt unmerited and unnecessary at the time, and for the last 10 days, it’s looked ridiculous.

During his time in charge, he only oversaw one competitive win against a top-30 side – Austria in the 2023 World Cup semi-final play-off.

Martinez Losa was never short of critics or doubters as his squad grow in age and regressed in accomplishment.

As he departs, they – this golden generation who have arguably missed their golden hour – are right back to square one. Out of the major tournament conversation.

There will be plenty talk in the next few days as to who will succeed the Spaniard. It’s an appointment the powers at be cannot afford to waste again.