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, who is meeting his players for the first time this week under the warm La Manga sun, is gearing up for Scotland's Nations League opener against Slovenia. In his maiden squad, Pocognoli handed five players their first full Scotland caps. Among the newcomers is Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery, who was called up after the withdrawals of established internationals Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean.
The extended international window – featuring four Nations League fixtures – gives the new boss a valuable period to embed his ideas and assess the group, as he steps into the shoes of Steve Clarke. "We have a lot of experience in the team, 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 of the side – and that has to remain intact." He added that the timing of the change was crucial. "The change was needed now because we are following our timeline, and it’s about creating the style of play we want on the pitch.
It’s also about club performance, injuries and the need to adapt," he said. "What was done in the past gives us a massive foundation for the future. It’s about finding the right equilibrium, with experienced players guiding the team while the coaching staff stays aligned on our shared objectives." Pocognoli emphasized unity as the cornerstone of his philosophy. "I want a side that is truly together – attack together, defend together – that’s part of the Scotland mentality," he said.
The first test of his era will take place in Ljubljana on Saturday against Slovenia, followed by a home clash with Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later. The schedule continues with a trip to North Macedonia on 3 October, before the squad returns 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 the second tier, aiming to regain promotion.
At 39, the former Belgian international knows success can be measured in several ways. "In the Nations League, staying competitive and climbing the ranking to return to League A is a priority," he said. "But beyond that, we must recognise on‑field principles, identify leaders, give young players opportunities, and maintain team cohesion." He also highlighted the importance of fan engagement.
"Getting the supporters excited, combining that enthusiasm with positive results – that’s why we do this job. If we can achieve both, I’ll be very happy," Pocognoli concluded. The full squad list reflects a blend of domestic and overseas talent: 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: - Slovenia vs Scotland – 26 September, 14:00 GMT - Scotland vs Switzerland – 29 September, 19:45 GMT - North Macedonia vs Scotland – 3 October, 19:45 GMT - Scotland vs Slovenia – 6 October, 19:45 GMT - Scotland vs North Macedonia – 13 November, 19:45 GMT - Switzerland vs Scotland – 16 November, 19:45 GMT Beyond the matches, Pocognoli’s tenure will be judged on how well he can meld seasoned campaigners with emerging talent, maintain the distinctive Scottish fighting spirit, and deliver performances that reignite the passion of the nation’s supporters.
The challenge is substantial, but the manager believes the foundation he has assembled offers a solid platform for progress and, ultimately, a return to the top tier of European competition.