Sebastien Pocognoli has been unveiled as Scotland's new head coach, signing a two-year deal to replace Steve Clarke. The 39-year-old Belgian, who previously managed Monaco and won a championship with USG in Belgium, aims to bring a blend of passion, energy, and clear thinking to the national team.
Reflecting on his past as a player, Pocognoli admitted to being a "young wolf" who occasionally crossed the line with excessive passion. He cited an incident in 2012 where he planted a club flag after a derby win, leading to a police fine for inciting violence. "I will not do that again," Pocognoli stated. "Be careful with passion. Too much passion can be also too much and cross the line. You need to find the balance - to be analytic and to be passionate."
Pocognoli outlined his coaching philosophy, emphasizing a desire to play on the front foot and defend high up the pitch. He acknowledged the risk of leaving space at the back but believes this approach offers more opportunities to be dangerous. "Yes, to be direct, have good passing options and keep the qualities of Scottish football - be passionate, win more duels than the opponent," he said. Pocognoli also stressed the importance of a calm, analytical approach during crucial moments to make sound decisions.
A key aspect of Pocognoli's remit is to foster the development of young Scottish players. He has a background in academy work and expressed his enthusiasm for nurturing talent, drawing from his experiences at Union SG and Monaco. "That is in my baggage - to work with young players," he confirmed. He highlighted the positive development of young Scots like Kieron Bowie playing in Italy, though he also hopes to see emerging talent thrive in Scotland's top clubs.
The appointment comes after the unexpected departure of Steve Clarke, who left a four-year contract. SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell and chief football officer Craig Mulholland led the recruitment process, with Maxwell noting the organization's embrace of change and a more modern approach. "Change can be a really aggressive word. It's not like changing the page in a book. It is about trying to continue and trying to improve for the benefit of Scottish football," Pocognoli commented on the need for evolution.
Pocognoli's tenure at Monaco saw him win 16 of 38 matches, including notable victories over Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille, and Lyon. His championship win with USG marked the club's first league title in 90 years.
Pocognoli's first matches as Scotland manager will be against Slovenia and Switzerland in the upcoming Nations League. He aims to strike a balance between achieving immediate results and developing players for the future, acknowledging the inherent risks involved in trying new approaches.