Scottish FA identifies Pocognoli as frontrunner for Scotland head coach role
An appointment is considered imminent ahead of the Nations League fixtures in September, with the Scottish Football Association having completed discussions with the Belgian tactician.
The Scottish Football Association has identified Sebastien Pocognoli as the leading candidate to replace Steve Clarke as head coach of the Scotland men’s national team. The 39-year-old Belgian, who departed his role at Monaco at the end of last season, is currently viewed as the frontrunner to take charge of the national side.
Pocognoli brings a recent record of success to the shortlist, having led Union Saint-Gilloise to their first league title in 90 years during the 2024-25 season. He is one of several candidates who have held discussions with Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell and chief football officer Craig Mulholland, who was appointed to the role in May.
An appointment is thought to be imminent, with the national team preparing for a four-game Nations League block starting in Slovenia on 26 September. The governing body has worked through a shortlist of candidates to fill the vacancy left by Clarke, who resigned following Scotland’s exit from the World Cup group stages.
If confirmed, Pocognoli would become only the second foreign manager in the history of the Scotland men's team, following German Berti Vogts. His playing career included spells in England with West Bromwich Albion and Brighton & Hove Albion, and he earned 13 caps for Belgium.
Steve Clarke’s departure ended a seven-year tenure, despite him signing a new four-year deal in May. Steven Naismith, who served as Clarke’s assistant, has indicated he expects to remain in the national team setup under the incoming manager.
