Sebastien Pocognoli emerges as leading candidate for Scotland job
Sebastien Pocognoli has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Steve Clarke, with the Scottish FA reportedly preparing to appoint the former Monaco boss.
Former Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has emerged as the Scottish FA’s preferred candidate to replace Steve Clarke as Scotland manager.
The 39-year-old Belgian left Monaco at the end of last season after guiding the Ligue 1 side to a seventh-place finish during his only campaign in charge.
Pocognoli is understood to be one of several managers who have held discussions with Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell and Chief Football Officer Craig.
However, the recruitment process is reportedly nearing its conclusion, with Scotland due to return to Nations League action in September as the campaign kicks off away to Slovenia on 26 September, followed by a four-match block of fixtures.
A familiar name in Belgian football
Pocognoli built his coaching reputation at Union Saint-Gilloise, where he led the club to its first Belgian league title in 90 years during the 2024-25 season.
Union’s success marked a remarkable rise for a coach who had only recently moved into senior management. He had previously worked with the club’s younger players and with the Belgian national-team setup before stepping up to take charge of the first team in 2024.
He made an immediate impact by winning the Belgian Super Cup before guiding Union to their first league championship since 1935 and a place in Champions League qualifying.
His progressive approach and attacking philosophy subsequently attracted the attention of Monaco, who appointed him after he left Union in October. Yet it looked a step too far for Pocognoli who was sacked by the French club in early June.
Who is Sebastien Pocognoli?
Before moving into coaching, Pocognoli enjoyed a 17-year playing career as a left-back.
He represented clubs in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and England, including West Bromwich Albion and Brighton & Hove Albion. He also won 13 senior caps for the Belgian national team.
Pocognoli is regarded as a modern, attack-minded coach. He is believed to favour a 3-4-1-2 formation built around aggressive pressing, counter-pressing and control of possession.
Scotland’s next era
If appointed, Pocognoli would become only the second foreign manager of Scotland’s men’s national team, following German coach Berti Vogts.
The Scottish FA now faces an important decision as it looks to build on the progress made during Clarke’s reign while finding a manager capable of taking Scotland into its next competitive cycle.
With the Nations League campaign fast approaching, the Scottish FA do not have long left to make its choice.