Belgium’s Pocognoli appointed new Scotland manager

Belgium's Sebastien Pocognoli has been named the new manager of the Scotland national team, taking over from Steve Clarke who stepped down following the team's World Cup exit.

The 39-year-old Belgian, formerly the head coach of Monaco, has signed an initial two-year contract with the Scottish Football Association. Pocognoli's appointment marks the second time a foreign coach will lead Scotland, following Germany's Berti Vogts.

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When I first heard of the interest, I was immediately excited about the opportunity. Scotland’s supporters are famous for their passion –- most recently at the World Cup in the USA –- and I have experienced it myself as a player for Belgium when we played in 2013. Along with my coaching staff, I will do everything I can to give them a team to be proud of and build on the success that has been achieved already by my predecessor.

Pocognoli expressed excitement about the opportunity, citing the passion of Scotland's supporters. "Along with my coaching staff, I will do everything I can to give them a team to be proud of and build on the success that has been achieved already by my predecessor," he stated.

He previously led Union Saint-Gilloise to the Belgian title in the 2024/25 season and guided Monaco to the Champions League knockout phase. The Scottish FA chief executive, Ian Maxwell, described Pocognoli as the "standout candidate" after a thorough selection process. Pocognoli's first match in charge will be Scotland's UEFA Nations League opener against Slovenia on September 26.

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He was the standout candidate from a thorough process: a very impressive individual, with a real desire to take on the role and a clear vision for how he wants to go about it.