Scotland staff bolstered by Mourinho‑trained United analyst
Scotland’s new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has completed his backroom team ahead of the forthcoming international break, retaining Alan Irvine as assistant and adding Luke Benstead – a former performance analyst who worked under Jose Mourinho at Manchester United – to the staff.
Backroom staff confirmed
Former West Brom manager Alan Irvine will remain as an assistant coach, having first joined the Scotland set‑up after Euro 2024. Irvine brings extensive experience, having managed Preston, Sheffield Wednesday and West Brom. He originally signed the Belgian Pocognoli during his brief spell at West Brom in July 2014, and later oversaw West Bromwich Albion.
Luke Benstead joins as another assistant after a seven‑year spell with the Belgium national team under Roberto Martinez and Domenico Tedesco. He previously served as a performance analyst at Manchester United, working directly with Jose Mourinho. Most recently he was assistant and set‑piece coach at Istanbul Basaksehir.
Cameron Campbell completes the trio of assistants. Campbell, a former first‑team coach at Tottenham under Roberto De Zerbi, arrived from RB Leipzig where he was head of talent and transition. He also worked with the former Monaco and Union St‑Gilloise boss during his time at RB Leipzig.
Pocognoli says Scotland stay on track after Slovenia defeat
Goalkeeping coach Chris Woods, a former coach at Everton, Manchester United, West Ham and the United States national team, also returns to the staff. A Getty image of Woods in training illustrates his hands‑on approach.
International break fixtures
Scotland travel to Slovenia for Pocognoli’s first match in charge on 26 September, with a Nations League clash against Switzerland on 29 September and a final game versus North Macedonia on 3 October. Who does Scotland play in the upcoming international break? The schedule also includes a home fixture against Slovenia on 6 October.
“I am really pleased that Alan didn’t hesitate in agreeing to stay on,” Pocognoli said. “His passion for the role is obvious, as is his quality on the training pitch.”