Sebastien Pocognoli says Scotland will focus on correcting details rather than overhauling the team as they prepare to face North Macedonia and Switzerland in their final Nations League matches of the campaign. The Belgian coach described continuity as the priority after a mixed first camp in charge.
Scotland had opened that run with a Nations League draw away to Slovenia and a 2-0 win over North Macedonia. A 3-0 home defeat by Switzerland came after Jack Hendry was sent off early, but the subsequent loss to Slovenia at Hampden prompted greater concern. Captain Andy Robertson said Scotland had been outfought and were not good enough, after the visitors repeatedly exposed the defence.
Pocognoli said the squad should build on what it had shown in the first camp while addressing areas that need improvement. He also stressed the need to balance experimentation with results, saying a win would help restore confidence among the players and supporters.
Scotland are third in Nations League Group B1. They need at least four points from the two upcoming games to retain a chance of finishing second and reaching the promotion play-offs; one point would be enough to avoid the threat of relegation.
The latest squad includes the returns of Scott McTominay, Che Adams and Kieran Tierney. James Penrice has received his first call-up after a strong spell with Rangers, where he joined on loan from AEK Athens in August. Pocognoli said the left-back deserved the opportunity and could suit the system Scotland want to play.
Lennon Miller, meanwhile, has been left out again. Pocognoli said the midfielder faces competition in one of the squad’s most competitive areas and explained that he would like to see him play in a more advanced role. Miller has been offered the chance to feature for Scotland’s Under-21s, which Pocognoli said would allow the coaching staff to assess him in that position.
Pocognoli described qualifying for Euro 2028 as the major task ahead. Scotland will co-host the tournament with England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, but will still need to qualify. The draw is scheduled for 6 December in Belfast, with group matches due to begin in March next year.
Sources: BBC Sport Football.