New Scotland head coach Seb Pocognoli has revealed his children will miss his home debut in the dugout at Hampden because they have to attend school in Belgium, but they will still support the team from afar.
Pocognoli had hoped to have his kids, William and Naomi, at the stadium to watch their father lead the side for the first time at home. However, those plans were scuppered by a headmaster at their school back in Belgium.
School commitments block family plans
Pocognoli explained that it was planned for William and Naomi to come to the game, but they have to go to school instead. He said: “It was planned that my kids William and Naomi would come to the game but they have to go to school instead.”
The coach recounted how he had tried to keep their places open at the school in Belgium after the family moved to Monaco. He said: “When we left Belgium for Monaco they came with me and they left the school. But I was proactive – I asked the school in Belgium that in case we have to come back can you keep a place open for them? They said yes.”
“Unfortunately that is what happened! So my credit is way down! They have to stay at school. It is a pity but they will be in front of the screen. Like against Slovenia, they will be wearing the shirts.”
Mixed feelings from the children
Pocognoli had no issue converting his 10-year-old son William, who is football daft. But he admits it has not been so easy to explain to his seven-year-old daughter Naomi why her dad has to spend so much time away from the family home.
He said: “It is a crazy job, to be fair. My son loves football, he supports me wherever I am. He has come with me on the pitch with all my positions in football as coach. He just embraces the football.”
“My daughter supports me but when the game is finished she does not like to hear about football. For her, football is the reason I am not there and so sometimes she does not like it. We are quite a stable family. They support me, I am very lucky.”
