Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, told Sky Sports that the time had come for a fresh approach 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 Mediterranean sun in preparation for their Nations League opener against Slovenia.
In his first call‑up, Pocognoli handed five players their first full‑senior caps for Scotland. Among them is Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery, who was added after the withdrawals of established internationals Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean. The extended international break, which includes four Nations League fixtures, gives the new boss a rare window to work closely with his players and begin imprinting his ideas as the successor to Steve Clarke. "We have a lot of experience in the group, a few new 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 keep the balance right and preserve what makes Scotland strong – the cohesion and the DNA of the team – while we also introduce the changes we want to see on the pitch." He stressed that the timing of the transition was deliberate. "The change was needed now because we are following our timelines. It’s not just about swapping personnel; it’s about shaping the style of play we want to create," he said. The manager added that club performance, injury status and individual form all factor into his selection decisions.
"What we built in the past gives us a massive platform for the future. It’s about finding the right equilibrium, where experienced players continue to guide the side while the coaching staff aligns on a shared vision." Pocognoli’s philosophy is simple but ambitious: a team that moves as a unit, attacks together, defends together, and embodies the traditional Scottish mentality.
"I want to see a side that is truly together – it’s basic, but it’s essential," he noted. The first test of his tenure will be in Ljubljana on Saturday, where Scotland face Slovenia, followed by a home clash with Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later. After those fixtures, the squad will travel to North Macedonia for a match on October 3 before returning to Glasgow for a second meeting with Slovenia on October 6.
Scotland are currently in Nations League B after being relegated from League A following a play‑off loss to Greece last year, so the objective is to climb back up the hierarchy. "There are many routes to success," the 39‑year‑old manager said.
"In the Nations League my aim is to stay competitive, to push our ranking as high as possible and ultimately regain a place in League A. On the pitch, we need to recognise our leaders, give the younger players a chance to shine, maintain team cohesion, and, of course, excite the supporters. If we can combine solid results with that excitement, I’ll be very happy." 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 schedule for the upcoming Nations League campaign is as follows: - Slovenia vs Scotland – 26 September, kickoff 14:00.
- Scotland vs Switzerland – 29 September, kickoff 19:45. - North Macedonia vs Scotland – 3 October, kickoff 19:45. - Scotland vs Slovenia – 6 October, kickoff 19:45. - Scotland vs North Macedonia – 13 November, kickoff 19:45.
- Switzerland vs Scotland – 16 November, kickoff 19:45. Pocognoli’s early remarks highlight a clear intent to blend seasoned campaigners with emerging talent, preserving the collective spirit that has defined Scottish football while introducing tactical nuances suited to modern play.
By keeping the core identity intact and adding fresh ideas, he hopes to guide the nation back to the top tier of the Nations League and rekindle the enthusiasm of the Scottish fan base.