Belgian Pocognoli appointed to lead Scotland's national team

Belgian (Belgier) Sébastien Pocognoli has been appointed head of the Scotland football national team (Nationalmannschaft) on a two‑year (Jahre) contract, tasked with preparing the side for the home European Championship (Heim-EM) after their group‑stage exit (Vorrunden‑Aus) at the World Cup (Fußball‑WM).

The Scottish association (Verband) announced the hiring, highlighting Pocognoli’s Bundesliga experience (Bundesliga‑Erfahrung) and his vision for the squad.

Contract and experience

The two‑year deal gives the former Bundesliga professional (Bundesliga‑Profi) time to shape the team ahead of the home Euro, the association said.

Pocognoli most recently coached AS Monaco (AS) and, during his playing career, made 30 appearances for Hannover 96 in the German Bundesliga.

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"He was the outstanding candidate from a thorough selection process: a very impressive personality with a genuine desire to take on the role and a clear vision of how to approach it," said Ian Maxwell, chief executive of the Scottish association.

The "Bravehearts" qualified for the previous World Cup (WM) in the United States, Canada and Mexico under Steve Clarke, but finished third in Group C and were eliminated early (Vorrunden‑Aus).

The new term allows Pocognoli to build a team ready for the upcoming home European Championship (Heim‑EM), aiming to improve on the recent World Cup (Fußball‑WM) disappointment.