Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed manager of the Scotland national football team, told Sky Sports that a fresh approach 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 at the training camp in La Manga, where they are preparing under the Mediterranean sun for their Nations League debut against Slovenia.
His initial roster features five newcomers receiving their first full international caps for Scotland, while Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery has been called up as a replacement 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 closely with his squad 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. "The key is to maintain the right balance and preserve what makes the Scotland side strong – the cohesion and the distinct DNA that has defined us. That needs to stay intact." He added that the timing of the change was crucial. "The change was needed now because we are following the timelines we set, and the adjustments we make on the pitch are about creating the style of play we want to see.
It's also about club performance, injuries, and making the right decisions at the right moments. What was built in the past provides a massive platform for the future." Pocognoli emphasized the importance of experienced players in guiding the team. "Finding the right balance means the seasoned professionals will continue to look after the standards we set, while the coaching staff must be aligned on our collective objectives," he said. "I want a side that is truly united – attack together, defend together – that is the essence of the Scotland mentality." The Pocognoli era officially kicks off in Ljubljana on Saturday with a match against Slovenia, followed by a home clash with Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later.
After those fixtures, the squad will travel to North Macedonia on 3 October before returning to Glasgow for a second meeting with Slovenia on 6 October. Scotland were relegated from Nations League A after a play‑off loss to Greece last year and will compete in League B for this campaign. Pocognoli, 39, outlined his ambitions for the competition.
"There are many routes to success," he said. "In the Nations League my goal is to stay competitive and push the ranking as high as possible so we can return to League A." He stressed the need to recognise on‑field leadership, give young players opportunities, and maintain team cohesion. "We also want to excite the supporters. If we can combine solid results with an entertaining style, that’s why we do this job and I’ll be very happy," he concluded.
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 Hotspur), 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, kickoff 14:00 GMT. - Scotland vs Switzerland – 29 September, kickoff 19:45 GMT. - North Macedonia vs Scotland – 3 October, kickoff 19:45 GMT.
- Scotland vs Slovenia – 6 October, kickoff 19:45 GMT. - Scotland vs North Macedonia – 13 November, kickoff 19:45 GMT.
- Switzerland vs Scotland – 16 November, kickoff 19:45 GMT. Pocognoli's early remarks suggest a clear vision: blend seasoned campaigners with emerging talent, retain the collective spirit that has long defined Scottish football, and adapt tactics to modern demands. As the team gathers in La Manga and begins its preparation, fans will be watching closely to see whether this "good mix" can translate into results that lift Scotland back into the top tier of the Nations League and reignite enthusiasm across the country.