Sebastien Pocognoli ditches Scotland survival tactics as generational squad shift sees new boss issue one word plea

The new national team head coach is running the rule over his new-look squad in La Manga before the raft of Nations League games

By Andy Newport · Daily Record

Published: Wednesday, 23 September 2026 at 5:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Sebastien Pocognoli is overseeing Scotland's training camp in La Manga ahead of Nations League matches.
Pocognoli aims to move beyond survival tactics to establish an engaging style of play for Scotland.
Senior players Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, and John McGinn could make Euro 2028 their final major tournament.

The Story in 60 Seconds

New Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli is assessing a revamped squad during a warm-weather training camp in La Manga, Spain, ahead of upcoming Nations League fixtures. Pocognoli is moving away from purely defensive survival tactics, aiming for Scotland to thrive with engaging football as experienced players like Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, and John McGinn target Euro 2028.

Pocognoli reflected on his past playing days as part of Belgium's "Golden Generation" alongside stars such as Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard, noting the heavy burden of excessive public expectations. Rather than feeling pressured by previous achievements under former manager Steve Clarke, the Belgian coach stated he intends to embrace the team's heritage and raise performance standards.

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