Pocognoli has 'positive nervousness' for Scotland debut

Image source, SNS Image caption, Sebastien Pocognoli will take charge of Scotland for the first time in Slovenia on Saturday

BBC Scotland's chief sports writer in La Manga Published 23 September 2026, 12:28 BST Nations League: Slovenia v Scotland

The Belgian was appointed in August, replacing Steve Clarke, whose seven-year tenure ended after Scotland's exit at the group stages of the World Cup.

Pocognoli starts with four Nations League matches across 11 days, with the trip to Slovenia followed by Switzerland at Hampden, a fixture in North Macedonia, then a return meeting with the Slovenes in Glasgow.

"If we talk about nerves, yes, but it's a positive nervousness," he told BBC Sport Scotland. "We have a job with responsibility. It's excitement and I'm just passionate about being on the touchline."

Scotland are currently at a warm weather camp in La Manga, Spain with a much-changed squad.