The SFA have confirmed Sébastien Pocognoli as Scotland’s new national head coach, with the Belgian looking forward to the challenge of “developing the future” of Scottish football.
The appointment is the culmination of a data-driven global search led by the SFA hierarchy. Detailing the process behind finding the right candidate, Craig Mulholland, Chief Football Officer at the SFA, explained the mindset driving the SFA’s ambitions.
“Sebastien had a massive passion for us becoming a high-performing nation,” Mulholland said. “We know what our ambitions are. Before you go on the coach search, you have to understand what successful nations do to continually get to where we want to be.”
“We did a lot of data and from that, we created a set of metrics that led us to a bunch of coaches,” Mulholland continued. “Ian and I went on our travels – so many coaches had a passion for Scotland.
We looked at metrics around playing style – and Sebastien met all of that – but beyond the data what’s important is the person. We had to look the person in the eye and know they would add to what we already have.”
Pocognoli expressed enthusiasm for his new role, and the unique cultural fabric of Scottish football.
“I’m very proud to be here,” Pocognoli said.
“It’s a very strong challenge, with a project to develop the future of Scottish football. There are the metrics, but the human aspect was also very important. I never go to a challenge where I can’t feel the connection.”
Pocognoli inherits a squad built on solid foundations following years of major tournament contention under Steve Clarke.
The new manager intends to build upon that legacy while introducing his own tactical identity and doubling down on youth development.
“Scotland is a passionate country and I think also, regarding the strong foundation that Steve Clarke and his staff laid, that I can use this heritage to put the next accent on the style of play while also developing players for the future. That’s why I’m here.”
The Tartan Army won’t have long to see their new man’s side in action, as Scotland return to the Nations League next month against Slovenia