The Scottish Football Association has pinpointed former Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli as its primary target to succeed Steve Clarke as the men’s national team manager. The 39-year-old Belgian, who departed Monaco at the conclusion of the previous season, previously guided Union Saint-Gilloise to their first league title in 90 years during the 2024-25 campaign.
Pocognoli has been interviewed by Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell and the association’s chief football officer, Craig Mulholland, who took up his post in May. Discussions with various candidates have taken place, and an official appointment is expected to be imminent. The new manager will face an immediate challenge as Scotland prepares for a four-game Nations League block, beginning with an away fixture in Slovenia on 26 September.
During his playing career, the Belgian earned 13 international caps and gained experience in English football through spells with West Bromwich Albion and Brighton & Hove Albion. Should he be appointed, he would become the second foreign manager to lead the Scotland men’s team, following in the footsteps of German coach Berti Vogts.
The vacancy arose after Steve Clarke resigned following a group-stage exit at the World Cup, bringing his seven-year tenure to an end despite having signed a new four-year contract in May. Steven Naismith, who served as an assistant under Clarke, stated last month that he anticipates remaining within the national team’s coaching structure under the incoming manager.
And it is thought an appointment could be imminent, with Scotland returning to action in the Nations League with a four-game block of fixtures, starting in Slovenia on 26 September.
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