Pocognoli urges calm as Scotland chase goals in North Macedonia
New Scotland boss Sebastien Pocognoli faces a daunting task as his side head to Skopje to try to avoid an all‑time record low in scoring. After a calamitous 3‑0 home loss to Switzerland on Tuesday, the Scots have gone 422 minutes without a goal and must find a breakthrough against North Macedonia.
Goal drought puts pressure on Pocognoli
Scotland have now endured four matches without scoring, a stretch not seen since 1971. The previous drought lasted 447 minutes, while the current run stands at 422 minutes since John McGinn’s deflected effort after 28 minutes against Haiti. The last time the side went four games without a goal was in 1971.
Red‑card controversy and its impact
Jack Hendry was dismissed early in the Swiss game. One report places the red card after 11 minutes, another records it at eight minutes, both for impeding Dan Ndoye. The ensuing free kick from the edge of the box produced Switzerland’s opening goal.
“I don’t know why I would be affected,” Pocognoli said. “We had a good feeling after Slovenia, we had a good feeling at the start of the Switzerland game – the first eight minutes we were there and were just waiting to take some control back from Switzerland. Because of the red card we did not have that moment. We just need to stay calm and not overthink things, especially the players.”
Pocognoli, a 39‑year‑old Belgian, insists his more aggressive, front‑foot approach will eventually bear fruit. He highlighted the many chances created against Slovenia and believes they will give the strikers a taste of what is required. Scotland striker Oli McBurnie appeared dejected after the 3‑0 defeat at Hampden.
North Macedonia have lost both of their opening Nations League fixtures – 3‑0 to Switzerland and 2‑0 to Slovenia – leaving Scotland as clear favourites for Saturday’s clash. CHIEF Football Writer Alan Pattullo noted in a comment that a win would not only halt the drought but also help Scotland climb the rankings. The Scots must convert the opportunity into a result in Skopje.
Captain Andy Robertson is set to earn his 100th cap against the hosts. Pocognoli praised Robertson as “a great captain” who has forged a strong link between the coaching staff and the players since day one.
Pocognoli is aware that extending the 422‑minute barren run into the match would set a new all‑time record, and he urged his squad to distance themselves from the statistic. “The stat is there for some reason, we have to take some distance from it,” he added, before concluding that calm and collective effort are essential.