Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, told Sky Sports that the time had come 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 for his first training camp with the squad, preparing them for the upcoming Nations League encounter with Slovenia.
During the first call‑up, five players earned their first full Scotland caps, and Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery was added to the roster after the withdrawals of Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean. The extended international break, which features four Nations League fixtures, provides Pocognoli with a valuable window to embed his ideas and assess his players as he steps into the shoes of Steve Clarke.
"We have a lot of experience in the group, a handful of new faces and some young lads, and I think we have a good mix," Pocognoli explained to Sky Sports News. "The key is to keep the balance right and preserve what makes Scotland strong – the cohesion and the DNA that have defined the side for years. That continuity must remain even as we introduce change." He emphasized that the timing of the transition was crucial. "The change was needed now because we are following our own timetable.
It's not just about swapping personnel; it's about creating a new style on the pitch that reflects our ambitions." When asked about the factors that influence selection, the coach highlighted club performance, injury status and the broader strategic picture. "What we delivered in the past gives us a massive platform for the future.
We have to find the right equilibrium – experienced players will continue to anchor the team, while the coaching staff must be fully aligned on our objectives." Pocognoli also spoke about the core philosophy he wants to instill. "I want a side that is truly united – attack together, defend together.
That's the essence of the Scotland mentality." The Pocognoli era officially kicks off in Ljubljana on Saturday when Scotland face Slovenia, followed by a home clash with Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later. The schedule then takes the team to North Macedonia on 3 October before they return 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 now compete in League B.
Pocognoli, 39, outlined his objectives for the competition. "Success can be measured in many ways.
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. On the field we need to recognize our leaders, give youngsters a chance, maintain team cohesion and, of course, excite the supporters. If we can combine attractive football with positive results, I’ll be very happy." The squad list reflects a blend of domestic and overseas talent.
Goalkeepers include Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City). The defensive line features 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) and Stephen Welsh (Swansea City). In midfield, Pocognoli has called up Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Josh McPake (Hearts), Lennon Miller (Udinese) and Kristi Montgomery (Blackburn Rovers).
Up front, the forwards are Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla) and James Wilson (Hearts). Beyond the tactical considerations, Pocognoli stressed the importance of fan engagement. "We want the supporters to feel the excitement again. When the team plays with belief and the results follow, the connection with the fans becomes stronger, and that energy feeds back into the players." The upcoming fixtures are set as follows: Slovenia vs Scotland on 26 September at 14:00, Scotland vs Switzerland on 29 September at 19:45, North Macedonia vs Scotland on 3 October at 19:45, Scotland vs Slovenia on 6 October at 19:45, Scotland vs North Macedonia on 13 November at 19:45, and Switzerland vs Scotland on 16 November at 19:45.
As the new manager settles in, the blend of seasoned internationals and fresh talent offers a promising platform for rebuilding. Pocognoli’s emphasis on balance, cohesion and a clear playing identity suggests that Scotland could soon re‑establish themselves as a competitive force in European football, aiming to climb back to Nations League A while rekindling the passion of their supporters.