Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli says he is experiencing “positive nervousness” ahead of his first match in charge, Saturday’s Nations League encounter with Slovenia in Ljubljana.
The Belgian took over in August from Steve Clarke, whose seven-year spell ended after Scotland were eliminated in the World Cup group stage.
Pocognoli begins his tenure with four Nations League fixtures in 11 days. After visiting Slovenia, Scotland will host Switzerland at Hampden, travel to North Macedonia and then face Slovenia again in Glasgow.
“There are nerves, of course, but they are positive,” he said. “This role carries significant responsibility, yet I am excited and passionate about taking my place on the touchline.”
Scotland are preparing at a warm-weather training camp in La Manga, Spain, with a substantially reshaped squad.
Pocognoli has selected 19-year-old James Wilson, four players aged 20—Findlay Curtis, Ben Gannon-Doak, Lennon Miller and Colby Donovan—and three 22-year-olds in Kristi Montgomery, Luke Graham and Robbie Ure.
Following Blackburn player Montgomery’s call-up as a replacement for the injured Kenny McLean, the squad now includes eight players awaiting their senior international debuts.
“With so many newcomers, the challenge is to achieve the right balance while preserving unity within the team,” Pocognoli said.
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