The Scottish Football Association is preparing to appoint Belgian coach Sébastien Pocognoli as the new national team manager, with an official announcement expected early next week. The 39-year-old, who was sacked by Monaco in June, will become the country’s first non-Scottish manager since Berti Vogts, who was in charge from 2002-04.
Pocognoli’s appointment follows the departure of Steve Clarke, who left his post after Scotland’s group-stage exit from the World Cup, despite having recently signed a four-year contract extension. While the SFA considered other international candidates such as Jon Dahl Tomasson and Kasper Hjulmand, they ultimately opted for a new direction.
The incoming manager previously gained prominence by leading Union Saint-Gilloise in his homeland. Under Pocognoli, Union won their first title in 90 years in 2025. A move to Monaco followed, but Pocognoli lasted eight months and 38 games in France.
Scotland begin their Nations League campaign with the visit to Slovenia on 26 September. Pocognoli’s first home game in charge will be Switzerland’s visit to Glasgow three days later as the team looks to move past the pragmatic tactical style often associated with the previous regime.
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