Sebastien Pocognoli Emerges as Top Choice for Scotland's Head Coach
By Editor • August 15, 2026 • 1 min read
The Scottish Football Association is reportedly zeroing in on Sebastien Pocognoli as the frontrunner to succeed Steve Clarke as head coach of the national team. The 39-year-old Belgian previously managed Monaco and made waves by leading Union Saint-Gilloise to their first league title in 90 years during the 2024-25 season.
Pocognoli's tenure at Monaco ended after just one season, where he guided the team to a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1. His coaching style is characterized by a dynamic 3-4-1-2 formation, emphasizing high pressing and ball control, a system he believes allows players to express their artistry on the field.
The Scottish FA is keen to finalize the appointment soon, especially with the team set to resume its Nations League campaign against Slovenia on September 26. Pocognoli, who also boasts experience in England with clubs like West Bromwich Albion and Brighton, would become only the second foreign manager in Scotland's history, following German Berti Vogts.
Following Clarke's resignation after a disappointing World Cup exit, assistant coach Steven Naismith has expressed his hope to remain involved in the national setup regardless of the new appointment.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
