Pocognoli seeks continuity as Scotland prepare for decisive Nations League double-header
Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli says his side need fine-tuning rather than radical change as they close their Nations League campaign against North Macedonia and Switzerland, with Euro 2028 qualification the longer-term priority.
Sebastien Pocognoli has defended his approach after a mixed first camp as Scotland head coach, insisting the team needs targeted improvement rather than a radical overhaul. Scotland were well beaten at home by Slovenia in their most recent outing, a result captain Andy Robertson described as not good enough after his side were outfought. That defeat followed a home loss to Switzerland, which was partly excused by Jack Hendry's early red card, and came despite earlier optimism built on a draw away to Slovenia and a 2-0 win in North Macedonia.
Pocognoli, who named his latest squad for this month's Nations League double-header against North Macedonia and Switzerland, stressed continuity. He said there was no reason to change everything because he was happy with the first camp, while acknowledging the need to find a balance between experimenting and getting results. Scott McTominay, Che Adams and Kieran Tierney return, and James Penrice has received a first call-up after strong form with Rangers, a choice the coach called logical given absentees on the left and Penrice's fit for the system.
The table adds urgency. Scotland sit third in Nations League Group B1 and need at least four points to have any chance of second place and a promotion play-off spot, while one point would remove any relegation threat. Pocognoli said a good result is needed to give something to the supporters and confidence to the players, describing winning games as the main factor in qualifying for tournaments. He also called Euro 2028 qualification, for a tournament Scotland co-host, the big job, with the draw in Belfast on 6 December and fixtures starting in March.
The camp also brought disappointment for Lennon Miller, who has been left out again despite returning to the squad after his World Cup exclusion. Pocognoli played down the decision as not a big topic, suggesting Miller is competing in the team's most competitive area and is wanted in a more advanced midfield role. The coach said Miller, who plays as a number six for Udinese, has been offered the chance to play for the Under-21s in that position and shape, which would serve as a scouting report for the future.
Image: PA Media / BBC Sport
