Scotland listen to the crowd with Sebastien Pocognoli appointment

With the appointment of Sebastien Pocognoli as new Scotland head coach, it is clear the national team is going in a different direction.

And that is not simply because he doesn’t come from these shores. While the 39-year-old Belgian becomes only the second foreigner to take charge of Scotland since Berti Vogts’ appointment in 2002, it is the fresh approach and eye-catching profile that makes him stand out.

Pocognoli is a move away from the Steve Clarke era, where Scotland were pragmatic. Clarke vacated the role after seven hugely successful years in charge - and it was clear that not just a new manager was craved, but a new vision. Despite qualifying for three major tournaments, many supporters demanded a change to the way Scotland play.

Scotland are heading in a different direction under Sebastian Pocognoli. | AFP via Getty Images

This is not to denigrate Clarke’s work but when the public clamours for a national team to show a different identity, it is imperative that the governing body listens. In turning to Pocognoli, the Scottish Football Association have renovated the home Hampden dugout with a younger and perhaps more modern model.

Pocognoli’s body of work so far is good. This is his first international job, although he did have a spell with Belgium’s Under-18s. At club level he has been successful at Union Saint-Gilloise in his homeland before trying his hand at Monaco, where he was sacked earlier this summer after finishing seventh in Ligue 1.

He will hope to fare better than the last former Belgian Monaco coach to wash up in Scotland. Philippe Clement did win a trophy at Rangers, albeit his tenure ended sourly.

Pocognoli’s appointment was driven by data. He scores highly on databases. Just ask Jamestown Analytics, who fancied him for Hearts before realising a head coach of such stature and repute was probably a step too far. They ended up with another Belgian in Wouter Vrancken, who knows him well.

“His style of play is also pretty physical, direct,” Vrancken said when asked about Pocognoli, a former teammate, on Sunday. “So I think it could match.” SFA head of football operations Craig Mulholland certainly thinks so. “He will bring an aggressive, front-foot style of play that will excite supporters,” Mulholland said. “He will now build on the outstanding work and excellent foundations left by Steve Clarke and his staff.”

There doesn’t appear to be too much negativity surrounding Pocognoli’s appointment. Excitement and intrigue are there ahead of the Nations League campaign, starting next month away in Slovenia. The national team is at crossroads. While the foundations of the Clarke era are there, mainstays such as Grant Hanley, Kenny McLean and Lyndon Dykes could be replaced by the generation pushing up behind them.

Certainly, supporters want to see more of the likes of Luke Graham, Lennon Miller, Kieron Bowie and Robbie Ure, who were on the fringes of the past set-up.

Clarke’s defenders - and I put myself in that camp - would often argue that his approach was largely correct. Scotland have a good midfield at international level but there are deficiencies at either end of the pitch. Scotland were set up to protect the defence and pinch goals from midfield. It frustrated fans - but got the national team to tournaments.

More is required to get beyond the group stages. Pocognoli should get a shot at the next Euros in 2028, which will be partly held in Scotland. We will find out whether there is more to be coaxed out of this national team with a new vision. Everybody of a Scottish persuasion will be willing him on.