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 talent. The Belgian coach, who is meeting his players for the first time this week in the sun‑drenched training camp at La Manga, is gearing up for Scotland’s opening Nations League fixture against Slovenia. Pocognoli’s initial roster features five debutants who have earned their first full caps for Scotland.
Among them is Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery, who was called up after the withdrawals of Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean. The extended international break – encompassing four Nations League matches – provides the new boss with a valuable window to work closely with his squad and begin imprinting his ideas as the successor to Steve Clarke. "We have a lot of experience in the group, a handful of fresh faces and a number of young lads, and I think that gives us a good mix," Pocognoli explained to Sky Sports News.
"The key is to keep the balance right and preserve what has always made Scotland strong – the cohesion and the DNA of the team – while also evolving our style of play." He stressed that the timing of the change was appropriate, noting that the national side must adapt to the realities of club performance, injuries and the evolving demands of modern football. "What we delivered in the past gives us a massive platform for the future," he said. "Finding the right equilibrium means experienced players will continue to guide the team, while the coaching staff must be united around shared objectives." Pocognoli highlighted the importance of unity on the pitch, describing it as a simple yet essential principle: "I want a team that moves together – attacking together, defending together – that’s the core of the Scotland mentality." The Pocognoli era officially kicks off in Ljubljana on Saturday, when Scotland face Slovenia. Three days later, the team will travel to Hampden Park for a clash with Switzerland.
The schedule then sees the squad heading 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 the second tier of the competition.
Pocognoli, 39, outlined his ambitions for the tournament: "Success can be measured in many ways. In the Nations League, our aim is to stay competitive, climb the rankings and ultimately return to League A." He added that his focus extends beyond results to the broader development of the side: "We need to recognise the leaders on the field, give opportunities to young players, maintain team cohesion and, of course, excite the supporters. When we combine good performances with positive outcomes, that’s when I’ll be truly satisfied with the job we’re doing." 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) Scotland’s 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 appointment marks a new chapter for Scottish football, with the manager eager to blend seasoned veterans and emerging talent, maintain the team’s traditional spirit, and forge a modern, cohesive playing style that can propel Scotland back to the top tier of European competition.