Sebastien Pocognoli begins his tenure as Scotland manager in Ljubljana, the city where the national team's 2018 World Cup hopes were crushed under Gordon Strachan. The Slovenian capital, a picturesque setting along the Ljubljanica River, is where a 2-2 draw in 2017 ended Strachan's chances of reaching the tournament, a result he infamously blamed on genetics.
New era, familiar setting
Nine years on, Pocognoli arrives with a recalibrated squad after a warm-weather training camp at La Manga in Spain. During that camp, he met Strachan, who was holidaying at the same resort, for a long chat by a training pitch. The team charter landed in Ljubljana at around 6pm, and Pocognoli soon sat down inside the Stozice Stadium to discuss his plans.
Pocognoli acknowledged the mental challenge of his first game, saying: "We have been taking a different approach over the four days in La Manga but I know how the players are feeling right now. The details are created by the players themselves. But I think the players are ready."
Managing the mental hurdle
He added: "It's the first game and it's a special moment for me and also for players in the squad playing for the first time. You will have the mental aspect of that. I hope we can manage that and I believe we can manage that."
Pocognoli, who made his own international debut for Belgium against Italy and a young Alessandro Del Piero, said he can use that experience to guide his new players. "I was nervous, but it was a little bit like the new generation was coming through and we didn't have that cohesion in that moment," he said. "I was quite isolated on the pitch and it was difficult. We lost, but that is something I can use to explain to the players, that we have new boys in the team but really good leaders, so I think they will take care of them."
Building a new dynamic
The new manager has hosted a barbecue for his squad and allowed them time on the golf course as part of his introduction. He is focused on implementing a high, front-foot attacking style, saying: "I hope we can win. It's important to bring that dynamic because in ten days time the first camp is finished. I hope we can stick with the plan that we have tried to create."
Pocognoli believes the Tartan Army will support the team if they see the new approach on the pitch. "I haven't met many fans because we have been in our camp," he said. "But, when I was scouting games before we left, I met people in the stadiums. It was a very positive, warm welcome."
