A back three that had previously appeared assured was relentlessly pressured, with composure giving way to uncertainty. Scotland’s usual leaders failed to take control. Robertson admitted his side had been beaten in the physical battle, a particularly revealing assessment. Determination should be the simplest quality to deliver because it does not depend on technical ability. […]
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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 The Sassuolo forward’s first start for Scotland lasted only a little over 10 minutes, as he was withdrawn to allow Welsh to reinforce the defence.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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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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One of the main concerns during the final years of Clarke’s tenure is likely to remain an issue at the beginning of Pocognoli’s time in charge. Angus Gunn was the first-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup. Although his move to San Jose Earthquakes has provided him with more regular playing time, he has let in […]
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Everton assistant Alan Irvine will remain with Scotland as new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli reshapes his coaching team. Irvine, the former West Brom manager who recruited Pocognoli as a player during his short spell at The Hawthorns in 2014, became part of Steve Clarke’s national set-up following Euro 2024. Pocognoli replaced Clarke last month, and […]
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New Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli says the country’s deep passion for football played a major role in his decision to accept the position. The 39-year-old was officially named as Steve Clarke’s replacement on Sunday before meeting the media for the first time on Monday. Clarke’s seven-year spell in charge came to an end earlier […]
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Following his dismissal by Monaco in early June, Pocognoli said the experience had taught him valuable lessons and that he would patiently and resolutely prepare for his next opportunity. He departed after guiding Monaco to seventh place in his only Ligue 1 campaign, having joined from Union Saint-Gilloise the previous October. He established his coaching […]
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