Scotland appoint Poconoli as Clarke replacement

Scotland have appointed Sebastien Poconoli on a two-year contract to replace Steve Clarke as national team manager.

New era for Scotland

The 39-year-old Belgian joins after leaving Monaco at the end of last season. Before that, he managed Union Saint-Gilloise.

Poconoli becomes only the second foreign head coach in the history of Scotland’s men’s team, after Bert Vogts.

He said the chance to take the job excited him as soon as he heard of Scotland’s interest. He also pointed to the support of Scotland’s fans, which he experienced first-hand when Belgium played there in 2013.

Tactical approach

Poconoli described his style as built on intense pressing, counter-pressing and control in possession. He said he wants Scotland to play an attacking 4-3-3 shape and to maintain real dominance on the ball.

He also spoke about player management, saying footballers need to be in the right mental and physical state to perform at their best. Poconoli added that he and his staff will try to build a side supporters can be proud of while continuing the progress made under Clarke.