New Scotland head coach Pocognoli vows to make fans 'smile'

The 39-year-old has been appointed as Scotland's new head coach; he won the Belgian league with Union Saint-Gilloise last year and was a free agent after leaving Monaco in June; his first game in charge will be against Slovenia in the Nations League on September 26

"I will be one of yours, and I will do my best to make the supporters smile."

Sebastian Pocognoli is determined to do all he can to take Scotland to the next level after being overwhelmed by his "incredible" welcome.

The 39-year-old has been appointed as the nation's new head coach, succeeding Steve Clarke after he stepped down at the end of the World Cup after eight years in charge.

The former Belgium defender left Monaco at the end of last season and previously led Union Saint-Gilloise to their first league title in 90 years in 2024-25.

He is the second foreign boss of Scotland, coming 22 years after German Berti Vogts' failed spell in charge, and he believes he can build on Clarke's success.

"I will be one of yours and I will do my best to make the supporters in the stadium smiling and enjoying," he told Sky Sports News.

"I would like to bring a good structure on the pitch and give some emotion to the supporters.

"What was done previously with the previous staff, with Steve Clarke, because when you think about Scotland, you think that they are back on the map with World Cup and big tournaments.

"That's a strong foundation that I have to use to combine with my ideas and to find the right balance between this and a new style of play or some new ideas.

"I think that we have to combine the result to be successful. To bring this winning mentality that is already there to be part of a tournament, which is the most important.

"But also to bring a front-feet mentality on the pitch and try to be dominant on and off the ball. I think that we have the players to do it.

"The past is also the DNA of the Scotland football style. I hope I can do a good mix and use all the profile and all the good players that we have to bring this on the pitch."

It is Pocognoli's first step into international management, something he does not believe puts him at a disadvantage.