# Pocognoli wants Gilmour to smile for Scotland

> New Scotland manager says Billy Gilmour must play with confidence to boost team success
- Title: Pocognoli wants Gilmour to smile for Scotland · the Guardian
- Summary: New Scotland manager says Billy Gilmour must play with confidence to boost team success Pocognoli believes Gilmour’s smile and risk-taking will help Scotland…
- Keywords: sebastien pocognoli, billy gilmour, scotland, nations league, nfl, napoli, hampden park, bournemouth, eurol 2028, slovenia, switzerland, sports
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/28/billy-gilmour-sebastien-pocognoli-scotland-nations-league
- Published: 2026-09-28T22:54:38+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sebastien pocognoli, billy gilmour, scotland, nations league, nfl, napoli, hampden park, bournemouth, eurol 2028, slovenia, switzerland, sports
## Gilmour's World Cup exit
Billy Gilmour missed the World Cup due to injury after Scotland exited at group stage.

> If you have a player who plays one touch without even looking where he puts the ball it means that he understands the game plan
## Pocognoli's smile goal
New manager wants Gilmour to play with confidence and a smile to unlock Scotland’s potential.

> I just want Billy to enjoy his football with a smile. If he can do that, the rest will come
## Gilmour's performance
Gilmour shone in second half of goalless draw against Slovenia in Nations League.

> He was smiling after the game. I saw the Billy from Brighton in Slovenia
## Club time warnings
Pocognoli warns players with limited club games risk missing Scotland squad spots.

> What concerns me is when March comes. If the players aren’t playing a lot then we will struggle with the physical aspects of the game
## Hampden training
Scotland trained at Hampden Park to familiarize new squad members with home venue.

> It does not look old but you can feel the history
## Key takeaway

Pocognoli believes Gilmour’s smile and risk-taking will help Scotland improve after World Cup exit