Pocognoli motivated by ‘very strong challenge’ as Scotland boss

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Sebastien Pocognoli believes he has a “very strong challenge” ahead as Scotland head coach, though he is excited by the role.

Pocognoli was announced as Scotland’s new boss on Sunday, signing a two-year deal to take him through to the end of Euro 2028.

The decision was made after Steve Clarke stepped down from the role following Scotland’s group-stage exit from the 2026 World Cup, where they won just one of their three matches (L2).

Pocognoli, who is just the second foreign boss to take charge of Scotland after German Berti Vogts, most recently coached at Monaco last season.

However, he won just 16 of his 38 games at the helm before being sacked by the Ligue 1 club, following a seventh-place finish in the competition.

Nevertheless, Pocognoli is relishing the task ahead with Scotland, who are preparing for a home European Championship campaign in 2028.

“I’m very proud to be here. It’s a very strong challenge, with a project to develop the future of Scottish football,” said the Belgian.

Sébastien Pocognoli is your new Scotland Men’s National Team Head Coach. pic.twitter.com/J1t0pJhdUt

— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) August 16, 2026

“There are the metrics, but the human aspect was also very important. I never go to a challenge where I can’t feel the connection.

“Scotland is a passionate country and I think also, regarding the strong foundation that Steve Clarke and his staff did, that I can use this heritage to put the next accent in the style of play, while also developing players for the future.

Pocognoli’s first game in charge will see his Scotland side take on Slovenia in the Nations League on September 26.

Three days later, he will lead the Tartan Army at home for the first time, when they take on Switzerland in the same competition.

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