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 experience and youthful energy. The Belgian coach is meeting his players for the first time this week, training under the warm La Manga sun as they prepare for their Nations League opening fixture against Slovenia.
In his first squad, Pocognoli handed full international debuts to five newcomers, among them Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery, who was called up after the withdrawals of Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean. The extended international break – featuring four Nations League matches – gives the new boss a valuable window to embed his ideas, assess the group and begin shaping his legacy as the successor to Steve Clarke. "We have plenty of experience in the team, there are some new faces and young lads, and I think we have a good mix," Pocognoli explained to Sky Sports News.
"We need to make sure that the balance stays right, and to keep what makes the Scotland team really strong – the cohesion and the proper DNA – and that needs to stay intact." He emphasized that the timing of the change was crucial. "The needed change was at this moment, because we follow the timelines, and the change is just about the things that we want to create on the pitch. It's also about performance at your club, injuries, and the overall picture. What was provided in the past is massive, but we have to use it for the future." Pocognoli stressed the importance of a harmonious coaching staff and a clear, shared vision.
"It's to find the right balance, like I said, so the experienced players will be important to continue to take care of this, and on the coaching staff point of view, we need to be aligned about what we want to achieve together. I want to see a team who are just really together – it's quite basic, attack together, defend together – but that's part 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.
After those games, the squad will travel to North Macedonia on October 3 before returning to Glasgow for a second encounter with Slovenia on October 6. Scotland were relegated from Nations League A after a play‑off loss to Greece last year and will now compete in the second tier. Pocognoli, 39, outlined his objectives for the competition.
"There are many ways to be successful," he said. "For me, in the Nations League, it's to stay competitive and try to be as much as possible higher in the ranking to go to League A. But just to recognise some principles on the pitch, recognise who are the leaders on the pitch, see some young lads playing, see team cohesion on the pitch.
Also, to get the supporters excited. If we can combine that with results, that's why we do this job, and I would be really happy." Below is the full roster Pocognoli announced, showing a blend of established internationals and fresh 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). Pocognoli's first few matches will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
The September 26 showdown against Slovenia kicks off at 2 pm, followed by the September 29 home game versus Switzerland at 7.45 pm. The Nations League schedule then moves to North Macedonia on October 3 (7.45 pm) and returns to Glasgow for a second Slovenia fixture on October 6 (7.45 pm). The campaign concludes with a November 13 visit to Macedonia and a November 16 home test against Switzerland, both at 7.45 pm.
Beyond the fixtures, Pocognoli hopes to reignite the passion of the Scottish supporter base. By blending seasoned campaigners with promising newcomers, maintaining the team’s traditional grit, and introducing tactical flexibility, he aims to build a side that not only competes but also entertains. If the squad can deliver solid performances, secure points, and keep the fans engaged, the new manager’s vision of a cohesive, balanced, and ambitious Scotland will begin to take shape.
For ongoing updates, follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest news, video highlights, analysis and more.