Was the loss therefore caused by the tactical setup?
Pocognoli has continued to use what is thought to be his favoured shape, featuring three central defenders and two wing-backs operating high up the pitch.
The approach initially showed signs of difficulty during the first half of last month’s goalless draw in Slovenia. However, a stronger second-half display earned praise as the team pressed higher and adopted a more attacking style.
The 3-0 home loss to Switzerland was difficult to assess because Jack Hendry received an early red card, while confidence in the system returned after an impressive 2-0 victory in North Macedonia.
Those doubts have now resurfaced.
Neither Halliday nor Crichton is particularly keen on using three defenders. The Rangers Women head coach is especially worried about how vulnerable Pocognoli’s team becomes without the ball, as Slovenia once again took advantage of the space left behind the wing-backs.
Halliday, however, believes Pocognoli’s interpretation of a three-player defence is relatively adventurous when the team is out of possession.
He explained that the formation often becomes a back four, with one wing-back pushing forward into a wide attacking role while the other drops deeper to operate as a full-back.
He added that his greater concern is the team’s play in possession, particularly its shortage of penetration and runs beyond the defence. With a compact midfield structure and so many Scotland players positioned centrally, the side must be capable of progressing through the middle of the pitch.
Miller questioned whether Scotland’s available defenders are suited to operating in a three-player back line.
He noted that the system requires both wing-backs to advance a long way up the field.
In his view, that leaves the three central defenders exposed and uncertain about how to perform within the formation.
He concluded that although there had been enough time to work on the setup, the team’s organisation was chaotic and the overall performance was extremely poor.
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