Sebastien Pocognoli’s tenure as Scotland head coach began with a goalless draw against Slovenia in Ljubljana on Saturday, and the new man, his players and much of the media found enough encouragement in the Nations League opener to remain positive. The travelling Tartan Army who made it to Stadion Stozice gave Pocognoli a warm welcome on his debut in charge.
That optimism is not unanimous, though. Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound, former Scotland internationals Callum Davidson, Willie Miller and Michael Stewart struck a note of caution, choosing to reserve judgement on the Belgian’s system as Pocognoli prepares for Switzerland’s visit on Tuesday.
FOOTBAALL asked Scotland supporters for their views on the performance, and a slight majority of those who responded were enthused by what they saw – chiefly by the second-half display. The dominant theme was the gulf between the two halves. Rosh described it as “practically two different performances in one game”, adding that Scotland were “very poor” in the first half and struggled to string two passes together, before Slovenia “could barely get out of their own half” after the break. Shuggie reached for similar language: Scotland seemed “half asleep, dithering through the first half but all over them like a rash in the second”. Craig welcomed a first Scotland game in years without “palpitations” and loved the energy after the interval, while George called the second half “different class” and noted a solid defence and positive signs despite finishing that “needs a wee polish”.
Billy Gilmour drew particular praise. Lindsey said the midfielder was “outstanding” and believed he “inspired others around him”, with Shuggie also calling him superb after a nervy start. Stuart argued the team should be built around Gilmour and Lewis Ferguson, highlighted Robbie Ure as looking good and deserving a run of matches, and acknowledged that a “new system of positive play will take time to adapt to”. Others pointed to the wider refresh. Colin welcomed Pocognoli changing things around, saying the squad “needed freshening up” and that picking players who are actually playing weekly would help, while Simon liked what the midfield produced in possession and their competitiveness at winning the ball back.
There were, however, dissenting voices who fear Scotland’s old problems have not gone away. Thomas saw “similar issues to the Clarke era”, with finishing letting the side down against opponents who were “there for the taking”. Jim saw “different manager, same style of play and tactics” and felt Scotland struggled to make clear scoring chances against a poor Slovenian side. Gordon offered the bluntest assessment – “same old, same old” – arguing Scotland lack a striker worth the name and that Kieron Bowie, who might become one in time, missed a sitter. Simon also noted that taking chances “isn’t a new problem”. Alexander found the start very slow, felt Oli McBurnie tried his hardest while Ure was unfortunate, and called for more urgency in getting the ball forward to the strikers. David was more damning still, saying the display was “not even close to being good enough”.
What unites both camps is the sense that Tuesday’s meeting with Switzerland at Hampden will say more about where Pocognoli’s Scotland are heading. Mark was encouraged by how things might progress and backed the manager to get things right given time, while Craig’s verdict – “let’s build from here” – summed up the more optimistic end of a cautiously welcoming response.