Scotland’s unproven head coach represents a gamble made by an organisation who could do without another embarrassing episode
If time is the commodity most cherished by a manager, Sébastien Pocognoli’s decision to lead Scotland is no surprise. Host nation status for Euro 2028 means it will be exceptionally difficult for them not to qualify for the tournament.
In the Nations League, starting on Saturday in Slovenia, Pocognoli can experiment without fear of serious consequence. The 39-year-old has taken over a national team that represents a country which had not only – and partly unfairly – grown weary of Steve Clarke but screamed for a brave new dawn. The public wants what the public gets. They are unlikely to turn on Pocognoli, even if the start to his international management career proves bumpy. The Belgian has cannily called up a batch of untried and young players for his opening set of fixtures. Not all will be cut out for international football – Clarke’s mainstays remain crucial – yet the head coach will gain kudos for giving opportunity. An improvement in talent identification, including sourcing more players who qualify for Scotland through family bloodlines, is now a priority. Pocognoli’s salary, understood to be seven figures at base level, underlines the Scottish Football Association’s sense that they have sourced a difference maker from the out-of-work market.
