After Scotland’s short time at the World Cup, head coach Steve Clarke has left his role after a seven-year career with the Scottish national football team. Many praise Clarke for his successful efforts with the team, while others criticise him, believing the squad had more potential to make it further in the World Cup. Either way, his exit came at a natural time, with it becoming clear the national team is in need of some changes.
Clarke’s replacement, Sebastien Pocognoli, started his career with the ambition to bring the team up to a successful future. The 39-year-old, who recently left coaching Monaco this past season, brings a fresh perspective to the squad. He is most known for leading Union Saint-Gilloise to win the Belgian league during the 24/25 season.
On the international level, Pocognoli has some experience coaching the Belgium U16 and U18 sides. However, this will be his first time coaching a senior team on the international level. Pocognoli displays his enthusiasm for the role, noting that he “‘will do everything to make fans proud.”
What can we expect from Pocognoli’s new era?
Many fans are expecting the team to at least maintain their recent success and see some substantial improvements. After Clarke’s departure as coach, fans also want to see changes in strategy and a shift in style.
Craig Mulholland, Chief Football Officer of Scottish FA stated that he believes Pocognoli “will bring an aggressive, front-foot style of play that will excite supporters.”
Pocognoli wants to see Scotland play aggressively, through maintaining possession of the ball and putting more pressure on the opposing team. He describes his style as “a dominant one, with and without the ball.”
Whether or not his style of football will lead the Tartan Army to success remains to be seen.
With the first few matches of the Nations League group stage coming up, Scots will be watching Sebastien Pocognoli closely — as a new era for the Tartan Army arises.
Photo by Waldemar Brandt on Unsplash.
