# Pocognoli starts Scotland reign with nervous energy

> New Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli faces his first test against Slovenia with a squad full of young, uncapped players.
- Title: Pocognoli starts Scotland reign with nervous energy | Shortify
- Summary: New Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli faces his first test against Slovenia with a squad full of young, uncapped players. Pocognoli is building Scotland…
- Keywords: scotland, sebastien pocognoli, football, nations league, slovenia, steve clarke replacement, uncapped players, aggressive pressing, squad rotation, sports, Pocognoli, starts
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cw1mvy20202eo
- Published: 2026-09-23T11:28:58.442+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: scotland, sebastien pocognoli, football, nations league, slovenia, steve clarke replacement, uncapped players, aggressive pressing, squad rotation, sports
## Pocognoli takes the Scotland helm
Belgian manager Sebastien Pocognoli begins his Scotland tenure on Saturday against Slovenia in Ljubljana, replacing Steve Clarke after seven years.
## Positive nervousness before debut
Pocognoli admits to feeling excited but nervous about his first match, describing it as a responsibility he's passionate about taking on.

> If we talk about nerves, yes, but it's a positive nervousness.
## Four games in eleven days
Scotland faces a packed schedule starting with Slovenia away, then Switzerland at home, North Macedonia away, and Slovenia again at home.
## Eight uncapped players in squad
Pocognoli has selected a young squad including a 19-year-old, four 20-year-olds, and three 22-year-olds, with eight players earning their first caps.
## Aggressive pressing and fast tempo
Pocognoli's coaching style emphasizes attacking together, squeezing the pitch, and regaining the ball quickly after losing possession.

> Attack together and squeeze the pitch. When we need to defend, it's just to defend like brothers.
## Finding balance with new squad
Pocognoli says the team can be flexible tactically and will rotate players across the four games while building cohesion among new faces.

> This team can be flexible. We're ready for the four games.
## Clarke offers encouragement
Pocognoli spoke with his predecessor Steve Clarke, who wished him well and expressed that it was the right time for him to step down.

> He was very kind, very humble. He wished me all the best.
## Key takeaway

Pocognoli is building Scotland around aggressive pressing and fast tempo, starting with a Nations League squad that includes eight uncapped players.