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 […]
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A decision that should be considerably easier is handing Kieron Bowie another place in the starting line-up. The Sassuolo forward’s first start for Scotland lasted only a little over 10 minutes, as he was withdrawn to allow Welsh to reinforce the defence. Bowie and Oli McBurnie displayed encouraging chemistry during their brief spell together in […]
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Falkirk goalkeeper Scott Bain has taken the place of the retired Gordon in the squad for this Nations League campaign, although Scotland’s current goalkeeping options appear less convincing than those available in previous years. That raises the question of whether Pocognoli will consider selecting a different goalkeeper for Saturday’s game against North Macedonia and Tuesday’s […]
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Scotland had enough opportunities to defeat Slovenia at the weekend, but costly misses from Oli McBurnie and Kieron Bowie ultimately denied them victory. However, their attacking approach and confident play in possession during the second half offered encouragement to supporters travelling to Hampden. That momentum disappeared when Hendry made a reckless challenge on Dan Ndoye […]
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Sébastien Pocognoli believes a “smiling” Billy Gilmour can play a pivotal role as Scotland look to recover and progress after a disappointing World Cup campaign. Gilmour impressed after the interval on Saturday as Pocognoli’s first match in charge finished in a goalless Nations League draw away to Slovenia. The Napoli midfielder was sidelined by injury […]
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Most of those who shared their views were encouraged by Scotland’s performance at Stadion Stozice in Ljubljana, particularly by the improvement after the interval… Craig: This was the first Scotland match in years that did not leave me feeling anxious. The energy after half-time was terrific. Although we failed to score, the new shape and […]
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If a manager values anything above all else, it is time, which makes Sébastien Pocognoli’s choice to take charge of Scotland understandable. As one of the Euro 2028 hosts, Scotland will face very few obstacles to securing a place at the competition. The Nations League campaign begins in Slovenia on Saturday and gives Pocognoli room […]
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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 […]
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Periods of transition often create new possibilities. Clarke’s tenure has ended, with Sebastien Pocognoli now tasked with delivering the changes Scotland supporters have been demanding. The Belgian coach has selected a refreshed squad for the upcoming Nations League double-header, including the returning Miller. The 20-year-old is beginning to establish greater consistency during his second campaign […]
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What can be made of Sebastian Pocognoli’s first Scotland squad? Charlotte Cohen joins Michael Grant and Cammy Bell to discuss the newcomers, Oli McBurnie’s recall and the positions that continue to raise concerns for Scotland. Which players might take advantage of their opportunity during a challenging Nations League campaign? We also revisit an eventful evening […]
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