RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The Scottish FA say they have appointed "one of Europe's brightest emerging coaching talents" by securing Sebastien Pocognoli as Scotland men's new head coach on a two-year deal.
The 39-year-old Belgian, who replaces Steve Clarke, left Monaco at the end of last season and previously led Union Saint-Gilloise to a first league title in 90 years in 2024-25.
He becomes just the second foreign boss of the Scotland men's team, after German Berti Vogts.
"When I first heard of the interest, I was immediately excited about the opportunity," said former Belgium international Pocognoli.
"Scotland's supporters are famous for their passion - most recently at the World Cup in the USA - and I have experienced it myself as a player for Belgium when we played in 2013.
"Along with my coaching staff, I will do everything I can to give them a team to be proud of and build on the success that has been achieved already by my predecessor.
"Since negotiations began, I have been doing a lot of research, asking a lot of questions and looking at areas that we can build on."
Pocognoli spent time in England during his playing career, turning out for West Bromwich Albion and Brighton & Hove Albion, and earned 13 caps for Belgium.
After his sacking by Monaco in early June, he said he had learned lessons and would take time to prepare for his next job "with calm and determination".
He left having finished seventh in his sole season in Ligue 1, having been lured from Union Saint-Gilloise in the October. It was at the progressive Belgian club - like Hearts, part of the Jamestown orbit - where he forged his reputation.
After his 17-year career as a left-back in the top divisions in England, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium ended, he worked with the youngsters at USG and with the Belgian national set up.
Then, in 2024, he ascended to the senior team, winning the Belgian Super Cup almost immediately before leading the club to a first league title since 1935 and a tilt at the Champions League.
Before long, Monaco came calling, impressed by Pocognoli's bold approach.
He is said to favour an attacking 3-4-1-2 system, which he himself has described as "a dominant one, with and without the ball. High pressing, counter-pressing, but also real mastery in possession".
"For me, players are artists," he added. "And for an artist to put on a good show, they must be comfortable mentally and physically."
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