Pocognoli urges Scotland to electrify Hampden crowd against Swiss
Sebastien Pocognoli has told Scotland that a full‑time, 90‑minute display must electrify the Hampden crowd when they host the Swiss on Tuesday night, insisting the tactical switch to a 3‑4‑1‑2 formation will be the decisive factor in delivering the energy he expects.
CALUM CROWE, SCOTTISH DEPUTY CHIEF SPORTS WRITER, reported the comments on 27 September 2026.
Slovenia draw shows progress
In his first match in charge, Pocognoli oversaw a 0‑0 draw against Slovenia in a Nations League fixture in Ljubljana yesterday. The Scots were disjointed in a ropey first half but dominated the second half, creating several clear‑cut chances. The supporters at Stadion Stozice gave a warm reception at the final whistle, rewarding the improved display.
Pocognoli demands full‑time intensity
The 39‑year‑old Belgian said, “We created chances in the second half from what we worked on during the camp. First half we had two chances from crosses, a chance for Oli, a nice chance for Kieron Bowie, but the second half showed what I expected.” He added that the crowd’s reaction in the second half gave him a good feeling and that “as long as we continue to create chances, you bring the fans alive”. Pocognoli stressed that Scotland must deliver the full ninety minutes against Switzerland.
Swiss test will test crowd power
Switzerland, who reached the World Cup quarter‑finals this summer, will present a much sterner test in Glasgow. Pocognoli urged his players to feed off the power of the Tartan Army, believing that the energy from Hampden could provide the “last details” needed to win. He warned that replicating the second‑half intensity at home will be crucial.
Oli McBurnie, making his first cap in five years, missed a clear chance to score his first goal for Scotland, though he has yet to find the net in 17 appearances. Pocognoli praised his attitude, saying, “He played a good game… he never gave up and his disappointment is good because it shows hunger.” The striker’s effort was highlighted as a positive sign despite the miss.
Ben Gannon‑Doak entered the Slovenia match as a substitute and made a positive impact, fitting into the 3‑4‑1‑2 shape that left no place for him in the starting XI. Pocognoli believes the young winger can become a regular once he settles at his club, and he expects the same for Scott McTominay when he returns later in the year. He added that exploring different shapes will be possible if players like Gannon‑Doak and Josh McPake develop.