The Scottish Football Association is aiming to appoint Belgian coach Sébastien Pocognoli as Steve Clarke’s replacement early next week. The 39-year-old, dismissed by Monaco in June, would become Scotland’s first overseas manager since Berti Vogts held the role between 2002 and 2004.
Clarke left unexpectedly after Scotland were eliminated in the group stage of the World Cup. He had agreed to a four-year contract extension shortly before the competition began. The SFA soon indicated that it was considering candidates from abroad, with Jon Dahl Tomasson and Kasper Hjulmand among those associated with the vacancy.
Many Scotland supporters are likely to welcome Pocognoli’s appointment as an opportunity for a new direction. Clarke delivered broadly positive results during his seven years in charge, although his cautious tactical approach regularly attracted criticism.
Following a spell working in youth development, Pocognoli achieved notable success with Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium. He guided the club to its first league championship in 90 years in 2025. That achievement earned him a move to Monaco, where his tenure ended after eight months and 38 matches.
Scotland will open their Nations League schedule away to Slovenia on 26 September. Pocognoli’s first match in Glasgow is expected to come three days later, when Switzerland travel to face his new team.
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