Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed manager of the Scotland national football team, told Sky Sports that the moment had arrived for a fresh direction and that his inaugural selection already offers a "good mix" of experience and youthful vigor. The Belgian coach, who is meeting his players for the first time this week in the sunny training camp at La Manga, is gearing up for the Nations League opener against Slovenia. Pocognoli's first squad includes five debutants who have earned their first full Scotland caps.
Among them is Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery, who was called up after the late withdrawals of Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean. The extended international break – featuring four Nations League fixtures – gives the new boss a valuable window to work with his group, evaluate options and begin imprinting his philosophy 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. "We need to make sure that the balance stays right, and to keep what makes the Scotland team really strong – the cohesion and the proper DNA – and that has to stay intact." He stressed that any change had to be timely and aligned with the team's long‑term objectives.
"The needed change was at this moment, because we follow the timelines, and the change is just about the things that we want to create on the pitch," he said. He added that club performance, injury status and overall form are all factors that influence selection and tactical adjustments. Pocognoli also highlighted the importance of continuity within the coaching staff.
"It's to find the right balance, like I said, so the experienced players will be important to continue to take care of this, and from the coaching staff point of view, we need to be aligned about what we want to achieve together," he noted. His vision for the side is straightforward: a united group that attacks and defends as a single entity, embodying the traditional Scottish mentality of collective effort.
The first match of the Pocognoli era will be played in Ljubljana on Saturday against Slovenia, followed three days later by a home fixture against Switzerland at Hampden Park. After those games, the squad will travel to North Macedonia on 3 October before returning to Glasgow for a second encounter with Slovenia on 6 October. Scotland were relegated from Nations League A after a play‑off loss to Greece last year and will now compete in League B.
Pocognoli, 39, sees this as an opportunity to rebuild and climb back up. "There are many ways to be successful," he 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 success: solid on‑field principles, identification of leaders, and the integration of promising young talent.
"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 that with good results, that's why we do this job, and I would be really happy," Pocognoli added. 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 fixtures are scheduled as follows: - Slovenia vs Scotland – 26 September, 14:00 GMT - Scotland vs Switzerland – 29 September, 19:45 GMT - North Macedonia vs Scotland – 3 October, 19:45 GMT - Scotland vs Slovenia – 6 October, 19:45 GMT - Scotland vs North Macedonia – 13 November, 19:45 GMT - Switzerland vs Scotland – 16 November, 19:45 GMT Pocognoli's early remarks suggest a clear intent to blend the seasoned core of the squad with fresh talent, while preserving the unity that has historically defined Scottish football.
As the team prepares in La Manga, fans will be watching closely to see whether this "good mix" can translate into improved performances and a swift return to the top tier of the Nations League.