Sebastien Pocognoli, the freshly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, told Sky Sports that the moment had arrived for a shift in direction and that his inaugural selection already showcases a "good mix" of talent. The Belgian coach is meeting his players for the first time this week, training under the bright La Manga sun as they prepare for their Nations League opener against Slovenia. In his debut roster, five individuals earned their first full Scotland caps, and Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery was added after the withdrawals of Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean. The extended international break – featuring four Nations League fixtures – grants Pocognoli extra time to embed his ideas and assess the squad, a crucial period as he steps into the shoes of former boss Steve Clarke.
"We have a lot of experience in the group, a handful of fresh faces and some young lads, and I think we have a good mix," Pocognoli explained to Sky Sports News. "We need to keep the balance right and preserve what makes Scotland strong – the cohesion and the DNA that runs through the team – and that must remain intact." He stressed that the timing of the change was essential. "The change was needed now because we are following our timelines, and it’s about the things we want to create on the pitch. It’s also about club performance, injuries, and the necessity to adapt at the right moment.
What we built in the past gives us a massive platform for the future." Pocognoli highlighted the importance of experienced players in maintaining stability while the coaching staff aligns on shared objectives. "I want to see a side that is truly together – attack together, defend together – that’s the core of the Scotland mentality," he said. The Pocognoli era officially kicks off in Ljubljana on Saturday against Slovenia, with a home clash versus Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later.
The squad will then travel to North Macedonia on October 3 before returning 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 and will compete in the second tier this season. Pocognoli, 39, outlined his ambitions: "There are many ways to be successful. In the Nations League, my aim is to stay competitive and push the ranking as high as possible to return to League A." He added that success also depends on clear on‑field principles, identifying leaders, integrating young talent, and fostering team cohesion.
"Getting the supporters excited is vital. If we can combine that enthusiasm with good results, that’s why we do this job and I’ll be very happy," he concluded. The provisional squad list includes: 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, 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 early remarks suggest a focus on blending seasoned campaigners with emerging talent, preserving the collective spirit that has defined Scottish football while introducing fresh tactical ideas. As the team gathers in Spain for its first training camp under the new boss, fans will be watching closely to see how this "good mix" translates into performances on the pitch, hoping the revamped side can climb back to the top tier of the Nations League and rekindle excitement across the nation.