Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, told Sky Sports that the timing was right for a fresh direction and that his inaugural selection already offers a "good mix" of talent. The Belgian coach arrived in La Manga this week, where the squad is training under the warm Spanish sun in preparation for their upcoming Nations League fixture against Slovenia. In his first call‑up, Pocognoli introduced five players to the full Scotland roster for the first time.
Among them, Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery earned a spot after the withdrawals of established internationals Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean. The extended international break, which includes four Nations League matches, provides the new boss with a valuable window to embed his ideas, assess the squad’s dynamics, and begin shaping his legacy as the successor to Steve Clarke. "We have a wealth of experience in the group, a handful of fresh faces and a number of young lads, and I think we have a good mix," Pocognoli explained to Sky Sports News.
He emphasized the importance of preserving the core attributes that have historically made Scotland strong – cohesion, a clear team DNA, and a collective spirit – while also introducing the changes he believes are necessary to compete at a higher level. The manager highlighted that the shift is not merely cosmetic.
"The change was needed now because we follow the timelines, and the change is about what we want to create on the pitch," he said. He noted that performance at club level, injury status, and overall form all factor into his selection decisions.
"What was provided in the past is massive to use it for the future," Pocognoli added, indicating that the foundations laid by his predecessor will be a springboard rather than a constraint. Balancing experience with youthful energy, Pocognoli stressed the role of senior players in guiding the team. "The experienced players will be important to continue to take care of this, and from a coaching staff point of view, we need to be aligned about what we want to achieve together," he said.
He described his ideal Scotland side as one that operates as a unified unit: "Attack together, defend together – that’s part of 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. The schedule continues with a trip to North Macedonia on October 3, followed by a return to Glasgow for a second meeting with Slovenia on October 6.
Scotland were relegated from Nations League A after a play‑off loss to Greece last year, so the current campaign in League B carries the added incentive of regaining a place among Europe’s elite. "There are many ways to be successful," the 39‑year‑old manager observed. "In the Nations League, it’s about staying competitive and trying to finish as high as possible to earn promotion back to League A. On the pitch, we need to recognise our leaders, give young players opportunities, and maintain team cohesion." Pocognoli also underscored the importance of fan engagement.
"If we can combine good results with excitement for the supporters, that’s why we do this job and I would be really happy," he said, linking on‑field performance with the emotional connection that fuels the nation’s passion for football. Below is the full squad list announced by Pocognoli: 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 as follows: - Slovenia vs Scotland – 26 September, kick‑off 14:00 - Scotland vs Switzerland – 29 September, kick‑off 19:45 - North Macedonia vs Scotland – 3 October, kick‑off 19:45 - Scotland vs Slovenia – 6 October, kick‑off 19:45 - Scotland vs North Macedonia – 13 November, kick‑off 19:45 - Switzerland vs Scotland – 16 November, kick‑off 19:45 Pocognoli’s vision for the national side blends respect for the traditions that have defined Scottish football with a clear intent to evolve tactically and culturally.
By fostering a balanced squad, encouraging young talent, and maintaining a strong connection with the fan base, he aims to guide Scotland back to the top tier of the Nations League and restore the optimism that has long been associated with the country's footballing identity.