Scotland captain Andy Robertson has urged fans to embrace both excitement for the future under new boss Sebastien Pocognoli and respect for the past achievements of predecessor Steve Clarke. Speaking in the press room at the Stozice Stadium in Ljubljana, the 32-year-old delivered a message aimed at supporters caught between loyalty to the previous regime and hope for a fresh start.
Robertson, preparing to earn his 98th cap against Slovenia in Pocognoli's first game in charge, said: "I don't think there's an in-between. You can be excited for the future but respect the past. Some people have been caught in two minds on that."
Clarke's Legacy and the Need for Change
The Tartan Army has enjoyed returning to major tournaments under Clarke, but after Scotland's failure at the World Cup in America this summer, many felt he had taken the team as far as he could. Clarke decided to step down following a heart-to-heart with Robertson in Charlotte.
Robertson acknowledged the success of Clarke's tenure, noting he qualified for three out of four tournaments. "He came in and his remit was to qualify for tournaments. For him to do three out of four, that's nothing but success," he said.
However, supporters wanted change and a younger squad to attack the Nations League and Euro 2028 qualifying campaign. Robertson understands both perspectives, saying, "You can still appreciate what we had in the past and what we achieved. But we can also be excited for the future."
A New Era Under Pocognoli
Robertson revealed details of his emotional conversation with Clarke in North Carolina, admitting they both knew change was needed but had different ideas on how it should happen. "I didn't want to see him go but I could understand why he wanted to," he said, adding that Clarke received a standing ovation from players and staff.
The captain was one of the first calls Pocognoli made after getting the job, followed by a personal visit to London and a dinner. Robertson felt positive about the appointment, saying, "He's a positive guy and he knows he's got a good squad here. He backs himself as a manager as well."
Looking Ahead to Slovenia and Beyond
Pocognoli has included 15 players in his first squad who weren't at the World Cup, where Scotland failed to get out of their group. Robertson hopes the Belgian can eventually change that, but first they must win games, starting against Slovenia on Saturday.
"We've struggled to take the handbrake off at tournaments," he said. "Maybe this manager, with a new voice, a new direction, a new way of playing - might be the guy to do that. But we have to get there first."
Robertson concluded: "We believe we can and have the confidence to do it. And hopefully in two years' time we can discuss how we're going to attack the next tournament."
