Pocognoli Aims for First Hampden Triumph Against North Macedonia
Sebastien Pocognoli is gearing up for his fifth match at the helm of Scotland, and the stakes couldn’t be higher this Friday against North Macedonia.
This encounter presents Pocognoli with his third chance to transform the Hampden atmosphere from a dull hum to an electrifying roar. So far, his tenure has been marked by disappointment—two home games, two losses, five goals conceded, and only one scored.
The defeat to Switzerland was somewhat excusable due to an early red card for Jack Hendry, but the loss to Slovenia offered no such solace. Scotland struggled to create chances, appeared physically outmatched, and lacked tactical clarity. Captain Andy Robertson didn't mince words, stating the team had been both outplayed and outmuscled.
For Pocognoli, this match is crucial. "Criticism is part of the business as a coach," he noted. "It’s all about bouncing back." And he has a golden opportunity to do just that.
In their previous meeting in Skopje, Scotland managed a 2-0 victory despite missing key players like Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney, and Che Adams. With those stars back in action, there can be no excuses this time around.
Pocognoli reflected on the Slovenia game, admitting, "We were not intense. We were not aggressive, and that's a non-negotiable for me. We didn’t deserve more from that match."
On paper, Scotland appears to be in a better position now compared to their last international window. McTominay has returned from his heart issues and is finding the net for Napoli. Tierney is shining with Celtic, while Adams has scored twice in Italy since missing the last camp.
There’s more good news on the goalkeeper front. Scott Bain's impressive shot-stopping form could see him challenge Angus Gunn for the starting spot. Gunn has had his struggles recently, while Bain is making saves that are turning heads.
Defensively, Luke Graham is excelling at Stoke City and should be a strong contender to start. Aaron Hickey has also seen more game time since the Slovenia match, adding depth to the squad.
Similarly, Ben Gannon-Doak has stepped up his game considerably. He went from limited minutes at Bournemouth to becoming a pivotal player, even earning man-of-the-match honors in a win over AC Milan.
Ryan Christie is undergoing a similar resurgence. Once a substitute, he’s now a key player for Bournemouth, contributing to an eight-game winning streak with six starts in that run. His confidence is undoubtedly soaring.
While Kieron Bowie is struggling at Sassuolo and Robbie Ure has had mixed fortunes at Sevilla, Oli McBurnie is finding his form with two goals in three matches for Hull City.
Pocognoli has emphasized flexibility in his tactical approach, but it seems he’ll stick with a back three against North Macedonia. "I aim to find the best shape for the players to shine," he expressed. "Ultimately, it’s about adapting to the team's strengths."
He added, "At Union Saint-Gilloise, we played three at the back because it suited the club's style. It’s all about the players’ abilities. For this team, right now, a back three seems to be the best fit."
Reflecting on the defeat to Slovenia, Pocognoli admitted a need for better squad rotation: "Maybe we should have rotated more during that game. It’s something to consider moving forward."
The overarching message for this camp? "Continuity and improvement," he replied. "I want to see players impress me and show they’re ready to do something special in the upcoming Euros."
McTominay’s return adds a significant threat to Scotland’s attack. After undergoing a cardiac procedure, he’s not just back but thriving, scoring five goals in his last six outings for Napoli. Pocognoli is excited to have him back, calling him a leader who can guide the younger players.
As Scotland prepares to face North Macedonia, the focus must be on playing with speed, aggression, and precision to secure a decisive home win. With four losses and no goals in their last four outings, this match is a chance to set things right at last.
