Scotland are 'on track' as Sebastien Pocognoli hails 'great camp' despite 'uncomfortable situation'
Scotland head coach remaining upbeat but admits improvement required
Sebastien Pocognoli insists Scotland remain on track despite a home loss against Slovenia that seemed especially regrettable due to the presence of Steve Clarke.
Pocognoli’s predecessor had been invited to take part in a presentation before kick-off to mark skipper Andy Robertson’s 100th cap, earned a few days earlier against North Macedonia.
But other than this special award, it was not a night to remember as Scotland lost a second consecutive competitive match at home for the first time since Clarke’s early days in charge seven years ago.
Scotland now face an almost impossible task to finish second in their Nations League group. The consequence of this would be a pot three berth and likely harder qualification group for Euro 2028. Pocognoli was keen to take the positives from a four-game international break where Scotland won once, drew once, and lost twice.
“I think they are on track,” he stressed. “The players delivered a great camp. Maybe on the ranking aspect, especially with the game of today, we are disappointed. But the job that we delivered with the staff, with the players, and some moments during the four games was positive.
“But today was not what we expected. We have the objective that we need to improve on many things. Like I said yesterday in the press conference, the Macedonia game was good. But I was also really reflective and clever about that not everything would be perfect against maybe a stronger opponent (than Macedonia). Today we didn't show enough.”
Scotland took the lead through Ryan Christie’s backheeled effort just after the half hour mark but were stung by second-half goals from Aljosa Matko and Danijel Sturm. The hosts were fortunate not to concede more.
“We didn’t play the game that we wanted to deliver,” said Pocognoli. “I think we were not at the level that we expected to be on the ball, but also off the ball. We have a disappointment feeling, 100 per cent. On the other side, we look back to what we delivered to the camp, which can give some strong foundation for the future. But today we just have to analyse what the next camp can or has to improve. Today I don't think we deserve to get more than what we got. Slovenia played a good game and we were not at the level.”
The Belgian conceded that Scotland are now struggling to finish higher than third in their group, B1. They play North Macedonia at home next month and then travel to face leaders Switzerland away.
“I said when we started the Nations League we wanted to be ambitious and strong in terms of the ranking,” he said. “There are still two games to go. Slovenia is now leading us in second place. We need to get six points out of six and hope Slovenia lose some points. We are not in a comfortable situation to fight for this. We just have to try to take maximum points.”
Asked about the booing at the final whistle, Pocognoli stressed that this is what normally happens after defeats. He pointed out that he cannot afford to get too high or too low following games.
“I am always stable about winning a game or losing a game,” he said. “I am not flying when we won in Macedonia and I’m not too negative about this last game. I try to be stable and to look at the good things and to improve the things we need to improve. Supporters have had two games at home that have left them with a feeling of disappointment. We need to make sure in the next one at home to North Macedonia we produce something better. We will do our best to deliver.
“They (the fans) are passionate,” he added. “They want to see goals and they want to see chances. They saw that in the two away games but we also have to deliver that at home.”
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.