# Pocognoli's Scotland debut: 0-0 draw with Slovenia

> New Scotland coach Pocognoli leads team to 0-0 draw against Slovenia after tactical tweaks.
- Title: Pocognoli's Scotland debut: 0-0 draw with Slovenia · BBC Sport
- Summary: New Scotland coach Pocognoli leads team to 0-0 draw against Slovenia after tactical tweaks. Scotland's second-half improvement under Pocognoli secured a draw…
- Keywords: sebastian pocognoli, scotland, slovenia, billy gilmour, stephen welsh, oli mcburnie, nations league, football, scottish football, international football, sports, Pocognoli's
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cqevwwnw10w9o
- Published: 2026-09-26T17:05:53.462+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sebastian pocognoli, scotland, slovenia, billy gilmour, stephen welsh, oli mcburnie, nations league, football, scottish football, international football, sports
## Pocognoli's first game
New Scotland coach Sebastien Pocognoli called the Slovenia match 'two games in one game' after a second-half improvement.

> First half, was not what we expected in terms of structure
## Second-half shift
Scotland took control after halftime with better defense and attacking chances despite a 0-0 draw.

> We fixed this and you can see that the second half was much better
## Billy Gilmour returns
Billy Gilmour returned from injury to play key midfield role after World Cup warm-up.

> He was getting the ball, playing forward passes and following his pass to the strikers
## Stephen Welsh debut
Stephen Welsh made his debut in a back three formation to improve Scotland's defense.

> They were in a really good starting position
## Oli McBurnie's return
Oli McBurnie returned after a year to create chances but missed scoring opportunities.

> He nicked possession and went through but failed to round Jan Oblak
## Scoring concerns
Scotland has not scored in four competitive games, raising questions about finishing ability.

> It's about being really clinical, so for these strikers it's important when you get games like this to take your chances
## Tactical adjustments
Pocognoli shifted Gilmour deeper and McBurnie closer to goal to improve team structure.

> We fixed the position of Billy to be a little bit lower and to have Oli McBurnie a little bit more in his box
## Key players
Gilmour, Welsh, and McBurnie created chances but Scotland's scoring remains a problem.

> He's a fantastic player, I really like him
## Key takeaway

Scotland's second-half improvement under Pocognoli secured a draw despite scoring issues.