New head coach Melissa Andreatta is more excited by the possibilities for the Scotland’s Women’s team after working with the players for the first time – and believes they can preserve their top-tier Nations League status.
Scotland round off a so-far miserable Nations League Group A1 campaign at home to Austria on Friday before travelling to the Netherlands four days later – with both matches live on the BBC.
As they did during their first stint in League A in 2023, Scotland have struggled among the elite of the Nations League and have yet to take a point from their four matches.
To have a chance of preserving their League A status via a play-off, they will need to beat Austria by two goals at Hampden.
They lost 1-0 on matchday one at the Josko Arena but those are Austria’s only points of their own modest campaign.
When the former Australia assistant head coach was asked if she believes her new side can avoid Nations League relegation, she replied “we believe we can do that”.
The 46-year-old added: “‘Excited’ is a good word for me to use. I definitely am, but I want to be measured as well and know that it’s going to take time and there’s progress to be made in order to match our ambition with the belief.
“The first few weeks have been more than I had hoped for. I said to the players that I’m falling in love with this country and the football speaks for itself.
“I only see opportunity and yes, there’s going to be tough times and yes, there’s a lot of progress to be made, but we believe in what we have, we believe we have what it takes and we’re going to fight.”
Andreatta has taken over following the exit of Pedro Martinez Losa – who is now in charge of Mexican club Tigres – after Scotland’s failure to reach the Euro 2025 finals.
She will only have two games to work with Rachel Corsie, as the 35-year-old will retire at the end of this international window.
The Australian paid tribute to the former captain’s demeanour around what will be her final international camp.
“Rachel Corsie – what a legend,” added Andreatta.
“It’s been super humbling to to work with her in these past few days and the professionalism of Rachel is what’s really stood out and her willingness to share her experiences with both players and staff.
“I think she’s had a really positive impact on the group on her return to camp and all she’s focused on is her role and what the team needs to do to play the way we want to.”
In Andreatta’s first squad there is a first call up for Hibernian striker Kathleen McGovern, who has 25 goals for the Scottish Women’s Premier League leaders, while Rangers captain Nicola Docherty and two club-mates – winger Brogan Hay and forward Kirsty Howat – have also been recalled.
Scotland have failed to reach a major tournament since 2019.
