Scotland suffer ‘big setback’ in ‘new chapter’, says McGinn after defeat to Switzerland

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

John McGinn believes Scotland suffered a “big setback” in their “new chapter” under Sebastien Pocognoli after losing 3-0 to Switzerland in the Nations League.

Scotland were dealt a huge blow just 11 minutes into Pocognoli’s first home game in charge after Jack Hendry was shown a straight red card for a last-man challenge, and matters were made worse when Ricardo Rodriguez arrowed in the resulting free-kick.

Nico Elvedi and Zeki Amdouni netted for the visitors at Hampden Park after half-time, seeing Pocognoli (D1 L1) become the first Scotland manager to fail to win his first two games in charge since George Burley in May 2008 (D1 L1).

Scotland (two shots) failed to have a shot on target in a home game for the first time since September 2023 against England (seven shots), while they have failed to score in four consecutive games for the first time since 1971.

They are also without a clean sheet in eight home games, their worst run since going 10 in a row without a shutout between October 2001 and September 2003.

McGinn, who made his 91st appearance for Scotland, moving him alongside Jim Leighton in joint-third place for the most caps for his country, has urged his team-mates to learn from the humbling defeat.

“We could have done better at times, but we’re starting a new chapter, learning to play a different way. That was a big setback for us,” McGinn told BBC Scotland.

FULL TIME: Scotland 0-3 Switzerland.

Defeat in Glasgow this evening.#SCOSUI pic.twitter.com/uxVfodT4dO

— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) September 29, 2026

“We’ve got a lot to learn from, but a lot to take from it as well.

“I thought Oli McBurnie was outstanding. He’s had a lot of criticism in a Scotland shirt, but [this game] was a thankless task and he gave everything for us.

“Going down to 10 men, it’s a test of character; you need to dig in. It’s a huge learning curve for us, and when we play them away, we need to win now.”

Scotland will now face North Macedonia on Saturday, with the early pressure already piling on Pocognoli.

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