Sebastien Pocognoli is hoping for a strong performance against Switzerland as he prepares for his first match at Hampden as Scotland manager.
A goalless draw against Slovenia marked the start of the Belgian’s reign, but a promising second-half display following a dull opening period offered encouragement for the Tartan Army.
Speaking to the media in the build-up to Tuesday’s clash, Pocognoli said the Switzerland match has been high on his agenda since taking charge in August.
“As a new gaffer, that was really the date in my schedule that I wanted to experience,” said Pocognoli. “I’m really looking forward to it. I hope we can play well and leave with a good feeling. It’s a mix of excitement, but above all, I want the team to deliver a strong performance tomorrow.”
A longstanding concern for the national team has been the lack of a consistent number nine. Pocognoli looks set to continue that search, having omitted all the strikers who featured for Scotland at the World Cup in favour of recalling Oliver McBurnie and Kieron Bowie, while giving an opportunity to highly rated Sevilla striker Robbie Ure.
All three featured at the Stadion Stožice without finding the net, but Pocognoli insists goalscoring is a collective responsibility rather than one that falls solely on the forwards.
“It was just one game. In some games you score, in others you are unlucky,” the Belgian explained. “I don’t have any concerns about our ability to score because we have good strikers. Beyond that, we are creating chances from multiple positions. Hopefully, we score tomorrow and can move on to another topic. I really hope we start strong.”
Switzerland will provide a stern test for Pocognoli’s side after reaching the World Cup quarter-finals this summer. Can the Tartan Army build on their positive second-half showing against Slovenia and kickstart their Nations League campaign?
