Pocognoli Sees Balanced Squad as He Begins Scotland Tenure

Sebastien Pocognoli, the freshly appointed manager of the Scotland national football team, told Sky Sports that a change was overdue and that his inaugural selection already offers a "good mix" of talent. The Belgian coach is meeting his players for the first time this week in the warm climate of La Manga, where they are preparing for their Nations League opener against Slovenia.

In his initial roster, five players earned their first full Scotland caps, and Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery was called up after the withdrawals of Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean. The extended international break, which includes four Nations League fixtures, provides Pocognoli with a valuable window to work with the group, assess the squad’s dynamics, and begin shaping his own identity as the successor to Steve Clarke. "We have plenty of experience in the team, there are some new faces and young lads, and I think we have a good mix," Pocognoli explained to Sky Sports News. He stressed the importance of maintaining the balance that has traditionally made Scotland strong: cohesion, a clear team DNA, and a collective spirit that transcends individual skill.

"We need to make sure that the balance stays right, and to keep what makes the Scotland team really strong, it was the cohesion and really proper DNA in the team, and this needs to stay," he added. Pocognoli believes the timing of the change is crucial, noting that the national side must evolve in line with modern football demands while preserving the core attributes that have defined Scottish football for decades. He also highlighted practical considerations such as club performance, injuries, and the necessity of making strategic adjustments. "It's also performance in your club, injury, and at the same time you need to make the change.

What was provided in the past is massive to use it for the future," he said, underscoring that the foundation laid by previous managers can be a springboard for new ideas. From a coaching perspective, Pocognoli emphasized alignment within his staff. "The experienced players will be important to continue to take care of this, and on the coaching staff point of view, we need to be aligned about what we want to achieve together," he noted. He wants a squad that moves as a single unit, both offensively and defensively, reflecting what he described as the "Scotland mentality." The Pocognoli era officially kicks off in Ljubljana on Saturday, when Scotland face Slovenia.

Three days later, the team will host Switzerland at Hampden Park. After those fixtures, the squad will travel to North Macedonia on October 3 before returning to Glasgow for a second meeting with Slovenia on October 6.

Scotland’s recent demotion from Nations League A after a play‑off loss to Greece means they are now competing in League B. Pocognoli sees this as an opportunity rather than a setback.

"There are many ways to be successful," the 39‑year‑old manager said. "For me, in the Nations League, it's to stay competitive and try to be as much as possible higher in the ranking to go to League A." He outlined three pillars for progress: on‑field principles, leadership identification, and the integration of youth.

"Recognise who are the leaders on the pitch, see some young lads playing, see team cohesion on the pitch. Also, to get the supporters excited. If we can combine with the result, and that's why we do this job, I would be really happy," Pocognoli concluded.

Below is the full squad list announced by the new manager: Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers), Jon McCracken (Bradford City). Defenders: Luis Binks (Brøndby), Josh Doig (Sassuolo), Colby Donovan (Celtic), Luke Graham (Stoke City), Jack Hendry (Al‑Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Torino), Andy Robertson (Tottenham), Stephen Welsh (Swansea City).

Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Josh McPake (Hearts), Lennon Miller (Udinese), Kristi Montgomery (Blackburn Rovers). Forwards: Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla), James Wilson (Hearts). The upcoming schedule is as follows: - Slovenia vs Scotland – 26 September, 14:00. - Scotland vs Switzerland – 29 September, 19:45.

- North Macedonia vs Scotland – 3 October, 19:45. - Scotland vs Slovenia – 6 October, 19:45.

- Scotland vs North Macedonia – 13 November, 19:45. - Switzerland vs Scotland – 16 November, 19:45. Fans can stay up‑to‑date via Sky Sports' WhatsApp channel for the latest news, video highlights, analysis and more.

The platform also offers a flexible streaming option through the Sky Sports app, allowing supporters to watch live matches on their personal devices. In summary, Pocognoli’s early remarks reveal a manager keen to blend experience with fresh talent, preserve the cultural DNA of Scottish football, and adapt tactically to the modern game. His first few months will be a test of how quickly he can instill his philosophy, foster unity, and deliver results that lift Scotland back toward the top tier of the Nations League.