Pocognoli Embraces 'Positive Nervousness' Ahead of Scotland Debut

Sebastien Pocognoli is experiencing what he describes as "positive nervousness" as he prepares for his inaugural game as Scotland's head coach. The Nations League tie against Slovenia in Ljubljana on Saturday marks the beginning of his tenure, following his appointment in August after Steve Clarke's departure.

Pocognoli's initial challenge involves a demanding schedule of four Nations League matches within 11 days. The Slovenia fixture is the first in a series that includes encounters with Switzerland at Hampden, North Macedonia away, and a return match against Slovenia in Glasgow.

"If we talk about nerves, yes, but it's a positive nervousness," Pocognoli told BBC Sport Scotland. "We have a job with responsibility. It's excitement and I'm just passionate about being on the touchline."

The Scotland squad is currently at a warm-weather training camp in La Manga, Spain, featuring a significantly revamped roster. Pocognoli has included several young players, with 19-year-old James Wilson and four 20-year-olds—Findlay Curtis, Ben Gannon-Doak, Lennon Miller, and Colby Donovan—among the selections. Three players aged 22, Kristi Montgomery, Luke Graham, and Robbie Ure, have also been named. With Blackburn's Montgomery stepping in for the injured Kenny McLean, the squad now boasts eight uncapped players.

"It's a lot of new faces, so it's a challenge to find the right balance, to keep the cohesion in the team," Pocognoli acknowledged.

While Pocognoli has a clear idea of his team and formation for the Slovenia match, he emphasized a flexible approach rather than adherence to a specific system, though a three-at-the-back formation has been a hallmark of his coaching. "I always think the players select themselves," he stated. "We have four games, so we need to plan. We need to have a periodisation about the tactical aspect and the physical aspect. This team can be flexible. We're ready for the four games in terms of what kind of approach we want to give."

Following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pocognoli revealed he has spoken with Steve Clarke. "He was very kind, very... humble. That was very helpful for me. It just was to let me know that he's behind the team. He was very happy [in his time in the job] but he also felt that it was the right time [to leave]. He wished me all the best." Pocognoli added, "I will try to be as successful as the previous staff because we want to play in a big tournament. We want to create this moment for the country."

When questioned about whether his style of play would incorporate more risk and adventure than Clarke's, Pocognoli responded, "We have to find the right balance because if you play fantastic football and you don't qualify you get some criticism."

Pocognoli's preferred style is characterized by aggressive pressing and a fast tempo. He anticipates that achieving team cohesion may take time but expects certain principles to be evident immediately against Slovenia. "For me, it's about the personality of the players," he said. "I like a unit team who are just fighting for each other. It's a basic principle - attack together and squeeze the pitch. When we need to defend, it's just to defend like brothers. When we lose the ball, it's try to regain the ball as quickly as possible. From that, there are a lot of other principles, but that's the base. If you cannot get this, you will never have good principles on the pitch."

Given the condensed schedule, player rotation will be a key factor across the four upcoming matches. "So good so far," Pocognoli commented on his observations in La Manga. "But we need to get the response through the games. It's up to them to perform well, but it's up to me to make them perform well."