Sebastien Pocognoli feels pride and nerves ahead of Scotland debut

Sebastien Pocognoli, the 39‑year‑old Belgian, will take charge of Scotland for the first time today in a Nations League clash against Slovenia in Ljubljana, a match that sees the Scots favoured despite their opponents sitting 14 places lower in the FIFA rankings and missing Benjamin Sesko.

First foreign coach and new philosophy

Pocognoli was appointed last month, becoming Scotland’s first foreign head coach since Berti Vogts’ ill‑fated reign more than 20 years ago. He has promised a more progressive, attacking brand of football and a focus on bringing through a younger generation of players. The Belgian insists the new approach will be “progressive and front‑foot” and hopes it will make the nation proud.

Squad selection and tactical set‑up

He is expected to line up a 3‑4‑2‑1 formation, with a new‑look squad that includes over a dozen players absent from the summer World Cup and eight uncapped men. The defence features five centre‑backs – Jack Hendry, Scott McKenna, Stephen Welsh, Luke Graham and Luis Binks – with Hendry and McKenna likely to start alongside captain Andy Robertson, who will earn his 98th cap. Wide‑back options include Aaron Hickey, while midfield sees John McGinn, Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson and Billy Gilmour vying for roles.

Up front, the striker battle pits Oli McBurnie, Kieron Bowie and Robbie Ure against each other. The 30‑year‑old McBurnie returns after a five‑year international hiatus, having failed to score in 16 previous caps but netting 19 goals in Hull City’s promotion charge last term. Pocognoli praised him, saying, “Oli was very good in the camp – very humble and very quiet – but a hard worker on the pitch.” He added that McBurnie’s professionalism and sense of humour make him a strong candidate for the starting eleven.

Training camp insights and upcoming fixtures

The squad spent the past week at a training camp in La Manga, where Pocognoli highlighted four days of creative sessions, mental intensity and moments to breathe, describing the programme as a “human project”. He stressed the need to stay balanced, saying, “I need to stay aligned and to stay balanced, keeping the emotion on the side.” The coach believes the players are ready to implement his ideas step by step, even if everything is not perfect on the ball.

After the Slovenia game, Scotland will travel to Hampden to face Switzerland on Tuesday night, then head away to North Macedonia before concluding the quadruple‑header with a return fixture against Slovenia at Hampden. Pocognoli sees these matches as opportunities to cement his philosophy and assess the squad’s progress.

The remarks were recorded by CALUM CROWE, SCOTTISH Deputy Chief Sports Writer, on 25 September 2026. Pocognoli’s blend of pride, excitement and a “positive nervousness” underscores the significance of his debut for Scottish sport.