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Former Scotland manager fears Sébastien Pocognoli on a hiding to nothing as he dismisses ‘functional’ trio

EXCLUSIVE: Gordon Strachan reckons Scotland's failure to produce genuine world-class players is the reason for a hat-trick of failures at major tournaments in the past five years

By Douglas Dickie · Scottish Daily Express

Published: Friday, 25 September 2026 at 5:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Gordon Strachan warned new Scotland manager Sébastien Pocognoli about the squad's lack of star quality.
Pocognoli replaced Steve Clarke following Scotland's group-stage exit at the summer World Cup.
Pocognoli takes charge of his first Scotland match on Saturday against Slovenia in the Nations League.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Scotland manager Gordon Strachan has warned new national team boss Sébastien Pocognoli that the country lacks the world-class talent required to advance at major tournaments. Pocognoli replaced Steve Clarke, who resigned following the summer's World Cup, and will manage his first game in a Nations League match against Slovenia.

Strachan stated that tactics are secondary at the international level compared to having top individual talents like Norway's Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. He described Scotland's core players John McGinn, Scott McTominay, and Andy Robertson as functional rather than match-winners.

Read the full article on Scottish Daily Express