Scotland Boss Pocognoli Faces Warning from SFA Chief Maxwell
Scotland's new boss Sebastien Pocognoli has been warned by SFA chief Ian Maxwell to get ready for a change in approach as the team looks to reach the knock-out stages at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The surprise appointment of the 39-year-old Belgian coach has signalled a new era at Hampden after three tournaments with Steve Clarke.
What happened?
Ian Maxwell has warned the Tartan Army that a change of approach is coming under new Scotland boss Sebastien Pocognoli. The Hampden chief has taken the bold decision to appoint the former Union Saint-Gilloise and Monaco boss Pocognoli in the hope his modern thinking can finally fulfil Scotland's ambition of reaching the knock-out stages at a major finals.
Why it matters for Scotland
The decision to push on with Pocognoli is an about turn to the philosophical direction Scotland were heading in under Clarke. Yet it comes less than three months since Maxwell decided to hand the former boss an extended four-year deal ahead of the World Cup. Only the dreadful displays at the tournament, which saw the Scots eliminated having managed just a slender 1-0 win over unfancied bottom seeds Haiti, prompted a parting of the ways.
What comes next?
When Pocognoli moved to Monaco last year, he agreed to a relatively cheap salary of just £130,000 a year. And Maxwell has urged the fans to get behind the new man in charge, saying: "They better be ready for it - because it's coming. We're not going to stop him."
League standing: 3rd in World Cup, 3 pts, 1W-0D-2L from 3 games, recent form LLW.
Scotland's next fixture is against Slovenia on September 26, 2026, and fans will be eager to see if Pocognoli's new approach can bring about a change in fortunes for the team. With a new era at Hampden, one thing is certain - the Tartan Army will be watching with bated breath to see what the future holds for Scotland under Pocognoli's leadership.
