Pocognoli takes Scotland helm

Belgian coach Sebastian Pocognoli officially begins his Scotland tenure this week, meeting players for the first time at training camp in La Manga before Saturday's Nations League match against Slovenia.

Five newcomers in first squad

Pocognoli has called up five players making their full Scotland debut, including Blackburn Rovers midfielder Kristi Montgomery, who replaces injured Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean.

McBurnie returns after five years

Forward Oli McBurnie is included in the Scotland squad for the first time since 2021, marking a significant recall for the Hull City striker.

Balance of experience and youth

Pocognoli says he has a good mix of experienced and young players, emphasizing the need to maintain Scotland's team cohesion and DNA while making necessary changes.

“We have plenty of experience in the team, there are some new faces and young lads, and I think we have a good mix.”

Four Nations League matches ahead

Scotland face Slovenia on September 26, Switzerland on September 29, North Macedonia on October 3, and Slovenia again on October 6 during this extended international break.

Demoted from League A

Scotland dropped to Nations League B after losing a playoff to Greece last year and are now competing in the second tier for this year's competition.

Pocognoli's success criteria

The 39-year-old wants to stay competitive, climb the Nations League rankings, identify leaders, develop young players, and build team cohesion while exciting supporters.

“There are many ways to be successful. For me, in the Nations League, it's to stay competitive and try to be as much as possible higher in the ranking to go to League A.”