Sébastien Pocognoli, a 39-year-old Belgian manager, has been appointed as Scotland's new head coach, representing a significant change after Steve Clarke's tenure. Pocognoli brings experience from managing Union Saint-Gilloise, where he won their first title in nine decades in 2025, though Scotland's hosting of Euro 2028 means qualification will be less demanding than usual. His appointment signals an attempt by the Scottish Football Association to rejuvenate the team and move beyond recent tournament disappointments.

Pocognoli earned a seven-figure salary package and has already called up untried young players for the Nations League, which begins on Saturday in Slovenia. Previously, he managed Monaco for 38 games before being sacked, though he guided them to the Champions League's knockout phase. The article raises questions about whether Craig Mulholland, the Scottish FA's newly appointed chief football officer, has the necessary credentials to support Pocognoli's tenure, given concerns that organisational systems may matter more than individual management.