From the Guardian · · 50s
Pocognoli wants Gilmour to smile for Scotland
New Scotland manager says Billy Gilmour must play with confidence to boost team success
In brief
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 improve after World Cup exit Originally reported by the Guardian.
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”
The bottom line
Pocognoli believes Gilmour’s smile and risk-taking will help Scotland improve after World Cup exit
