“The game has changed completely,” Scales, Liam

Ahead of tomorrow afternoon’s Scottish Cup quarterfinal matchup at Celtic Park against Livingston, Liam Scales addressed the media at Lennoxtown yesterday afternoon. The Irish defender discussed the Scottish Cup challenge, reflected on the previous weekend’s VAR controversies, and gave a heartfelt farewell to Liel Abada, who left the team this week. Here is what was stated during Liam Scales’ press conference:

Before this match, how do the players feel?

Liam Scales: “We’re excited about it. We’re excited because we know it’s a cup game and the competition is almost over. With any luck, we can perform well enough to advance to the semi-final.

Is everything about starting over after last week’s setback?

100%, says Liam Scales. The outcome was disappointing. It is evident that things did not turn out as planned and that some control was removed from us. Since the competition has changed, approaching it with a completely new mindset is necessary.

Do you become more determined as you approach Hampden?

Liam Scales: “Unquestionably. It’s the end of the season for business. We’ve been working hard this week to get our game ready for the weekend. We want to go on to the next round and are confident going into it.

Since it’s a cup game, do you think Livingston will exert a little more pressure?

Liam Scales: “They might be a little cautious, but maybe as well. They’ll make an effort to continue playing, which we must attempt to stop. They will wish to continue as long as they are able.

Question: You mentioned last week that things were taken out of your hands and that your team was given a penalty. Do the players understand what is meant by a hand ball?
Liam Scales: “Some might be. I’m not, to be honest. It surprised me. Watching it back especially, no one on the pitch even knew it had happened. Tomoki (Iwata) didn’t even know until half-time that it was given against him. It might have even been given against Ali (Johnston). I’m not sure myself, but it was surprising. That’s football.”

Is it a topic you discuss as defenders during training? When you jump, do you have to pay attention to what you’re doing with your hands behind your back?

Liam Scales: “I use the arms behind the back technique when stopping shots or pressing an opponent because you know that if they shoot and the ball hits your hand or arm on the way to the goal, it’s a hand ball.” It’s physically challenging to jump without raising yourself up with your arms. Your limbs are pushed in different directions and respond differently when players make contact with one another. Sometimes it’s beyond your control, and when these things are on your mind, it can be very difficult to defend that naturally. Nevertheless, we must move forward.

Q: Have you discussed it in training this week, or have you decided to move past it moving forward?

No, it’s just one of those things, says Liam Scales. We haven’t experienced it very frequently, and it probably won’t happen much longer. That decision being made against you is extremely uncommon. We have practiced this kind of thing, which is more typical, in the event that we have ten men.

Q: You’re only one game away from Hampden this weekend. Have you previously performed at Hampden?

Liam Scales: “Yes, I have performed at Hampden a few times previously.”

Was it in favour of Celtic?

Liam Scales: “Yeah, I played there for Aberdeen in the cup semifinal last season, and I came on in the League Cup final two years ago.”

What do you remember about it? How do you interpret it?

Liam Scales: “We had a fantastic day out.” It’s unique and always has a positive vibe to it. The build-up is greater and bigger for this momentous occasion. It’s truly exciting.

Recalling the previous weekend. Are those the kinds of games that the group can learn from effectively? About the way you handle hardship when it presents itself, whatever it may be?

Liam Scales: “Just that. That has been the main focus of this week. When we think back on that game, the only thing we can do is acknowledge that we only have 10 men left and figure out a strategy to win with those guys. We’ve worked on it, so undoubtedly we’ve learned a lot from it.

How hard is it to focus on the decision and the task at hand while playing a game? Even though what happened has irritated you, don’t you think you should move on from it for the time being?

Liam Scales: “It needs to go immediately, and it’s concentrating on the difficulty of being a man down at this point. The game changed after the send-off, even though we had a strong start and felt like the winners. Football is that.

Because there are two stages, is it harder for the players because of the on-field referee or VAR?

Liam Scales: “It’s altered the game entirely. Every time a goal is scored, you’re waiting to see if it was disallowed in the build-up, and every time a challenge is made, you’re waiting to see if it was called back. It can be challenging at times, but you have to be prepared for decisions to change at all times.

Alexandro Bernabei is not available. Are you ready to cover at left-back should the situation arise during the season?

Yes, if necessary, says Liam Scales. 100%; I’m in good physical shape because I’ve played a lot of games this year and I’ve played there before. I can change if necessary.

Q: The Liel Abada has left. For his time here, how do you hope he is remembered?

Liam Scales: “Liel was a huge goal scorer for the team. It is what makes him memorable to us. He was a member of a team that won a treble and scored some significant goals. We wish him well on his next endeavour as he has made a positive legacy for himself here.

Given that Callum McGregor is such a presence in the middle of the park, is there simply more of a need for others to step up now that he is missing?

Liam Scales: “We have players on the team who can step up and lead us, but Calum is a fantastic leader. Tomo is an excellent player who sets an excellent example on the pitch and is a good stand-in even though he may not talk as much as Cal.

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