Sebastien Pocognoli has revealed that the fervour surrounding Scottish football played a significant role in his decision to take charge of the national team, as he was unveiled to the media for the first time on Monday.
The 39-year-old Belgian was officially announced as Steve Clarke's replacement on Sunday, ending weeks of speculation over who would lead Scotland into their next chapter. Clarke stepped down after seven years at the helm following a disappointing World Cup campaign in which Scotland's opening win over Haiti was undone by subsequent losses to Morocco and Brazil, resulting in an early exit from the group stage.
Pocognoli arrives in Scotland having recently departed Monaco, where he spent the previous season in France's top flight. He built his managerial reputation at Union Saint-Gilloise, guiding the Belgian club to a first league championship in 90 years during the 2024-25 campaign. His appointment makes him only the second non-British manager to take charge of the Scotland men's team, following in the footsteps of Germany's Berti Vogts.
Speaking at his official presentation alongside Scottish Football Association chief executive Ian Maxwell and performance director Craig Mulholland, Pocognoli expressed genuine enthusiasm about the role and the emotional pull the country's football culture had on his decision.
"I'm very proud to be here," Pocognoli said. "It's a very strong challenge, with a project to develop the future of Scottish football. There are the metrics, but the human aspect was also very important. I never go to a challenge where I can't feel the connection."
He went on to praise the intensity of Scottish supporters and the work done by his predecessor, suggesting he intends to build upon rather than dismantle what Clarke established during his lengthy tenure.
"Scotland is a passionate country and I think also, regarding the strong foundation that Steve Clarke and his staff laid, that I can use this heritage to put the next accent on the style of play while also developing players for the future," he explained. "That's why I'm here."
The hiring represents a notable departure from the SFA's traditional approach to selecting national team managers, opting for a relatively young and largely unfamiliar figure outside the pool of British-based candidates typically considered for the post. Pocognoli's playing career included a spell as a Belgium international defender before he transitioned into coaching, eventually making his name at Union Saint-Gilloise before a brief stint in Ligue 1 with Monaco.
Reaction among supporters has been mixed but largely optimistic, with many viewing the appointment as a bold gamble by the governing body. Some fans have expressed hope that Pocognoli will look beyond the established core of players who featured heavily under Clarke and give opportunities to emerging talent, while others have emphasized the importance of shoring up defensive frailties that were exposed during the World Cup, particularly Scotland's tendency to concede early goals.
There is also anticipation surrounding the tactical identity Pocognoli might bring, with some observers hoping for a more expansive, attacking approach compared to the pragmatic style associated with Clarke's reign. The new manager's immediate priority is expected to be qualification for Euro 2028, a target many see as the natural benchmark for judging early progress under his leadership.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.