Pocognoli faces questions after Scotland's home defeat by Slovenia
Scotland's Nations League promotion hopes are in doubt after a bruising home loss to Slovenia, leaving pundits to question Sebastien Pocognoli's system, selection and midfield balance.
Sebastien Pocognoli's four-game start as Scotland head coach has taken another sharp turn, with a home defeat by Slovenia leaving the team's Nations League promotion hopes in tatters. The result also points towards a likely third-place finish, which would mean a tougher draw for the next European Championship. BBC Scotland pundit Andy Halliday said the "period of grace" usually given to a new manager is now over, while captain Andy Robertson described Scotland as having been outfought.
The manner of the loss dominated discussion. Halliday said Slovenia were compact, organised and energetic on and off the ball, everything Scotland were not. Leanne Crichton argued Slovenia had analysed Scotland from the previous week and played them off the park, while Willie Miller saw elements of both, saying Scotland were bullied and schooled in certain moments.
Attention turned to Pocognoli's preferred back three with high wing-backs. Crichton's main concern is how open it leaves Scotland out of possession, with Slovenia again exposing space behind the wing-backs. Halliday's issue is instead in possession, citing a lack of penetration and runs in behind. Miller questioned whether the available centre-backs are comfortable in the system and called the display unbelievably poor.
Central midfield, long a Scottish strength, also came under scrutiny after Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson, John McGinn and Ryan Christie struggled. Halliday said he was deflated and could not understand how nine central players were dominated for 90 minutes, adding that he could not tell what Scotland were trying to be on the ball. Crichton said roughly half the team can dominate opponents but the system breaks down without certain profiles elsewhere, warning that without clinical finishing and ruthless defending Scotland will remain in a dogfight.
The use of Ben Gannon-Doak at wing-back was debated. Crichton said the position did not suit the Bournemouth winger, whose first touch was off, and called Aaron Hickey's presence on the bench astonishing. Halliday argued Scotland cannot succeed without wingers. Pundits also questioned loyalty to long-serving players, with Halliday noting McGinn and Christie were barely involved and hoping Scott McTominay's return adds a spark, and he criticised the goalkeeper for the first goal.
Pocognoli now has next month's final Nations League games at home to North Macedonia and in Switzerland to respond. Halliday said the poor performance came against opposition Scotland were expected to beat. Crichton believes Pocognoli knows he will face immense pressure unless he starts winning and will not get time to build a team. Miller, noting it is early in the reign and younger players are being introduced, asked where Scotland go from here.
