John McGinn and Scott McTominay cited as Scottish source reveals why Sebastien Pocognoli will struggle
Sebastien Pocognoli is unlikely to be the right fit to become the long-term solution as manager of the Scotland national team.
That is according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Belgian boss is unlikely to understand the Scottish “psyche” and connect with his players.
The 39-year-old was named as the successor to Steve Clarke by the SFA back in August, and is now on the verge of overseeing his first international window at the helm.
However, Wyness doubts that Pocognoli has the necessary skill set to overhaul what he deems to be an “ageing” squad after their disappointing World Cup campaign in the summer.
The new boss will lead the team for the first time away against Slovenia in Saturday afternoon’s Nations League clash, before tasting a home game at Hampden Park for the first time against Switzerland next Tuesday.
A trip to North Macedonia and the return fixture against Slovenia are set to follow in the second half of the international window, with Pocognoli set to wade in at the deep end in his new role.
‘Big question mark’ surrounding Sebastien Pocognoli
Aberdeen’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs – believes that there is a “big question mark” surrounding Pocognoli’s ability to understand his group on an emotional level.
The former boardroom man feels that the former Monaco boss could be more of a “short-term” option for the SFA than many people are currently expecting.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained why he is not enamoured with Scotland’s first foreign managerial appointment since Berti Vogts got the job back in 2002.
“I'm not a fan of foreign managers; I'm not a fan of (Thomas) Tuchel being the English manager. I think it should be a manager from that nation. Whether I'm an old dinosaur or not, that's what I believe,” he said.
“I believe it's important in things like team bonding. When the Scottish camp gets together, there's a unique Scottish humour and personality. The Scottish psyche is a key factor, and that's my big big question mark.
“It isn't just about the actual squad preference through tactics that are going to be played. He's going to have to be lucky and start off really well, I think, and show some difference.
“I'm not a fan of this one, but he may be able to convince some players who can become Scottish players to come and join the squad, which would be a big bonus for him if he can do that. We're yet to see his skills in that area.
“He needs to mould a new type team, there's no doubt the Scottish squad is ageing. John McGinn and Scott McTominay aren’t going to be around forever.
“We've got to be able to blend a new type of squad going forward. Can he do that? Well, for me, the jury's out, but I'd have preferred a Scotsman coming in, and I think Pocognoli may find it to be a short-term situation.”
Pocognoli already facing eligibility battle
Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Scotland are currently locked in a battle with Nigeria to secure the international future of Bolton Wanderers midfielder Ethan Erhahon.
The 25-year-old previously represented Scotland at U17 level, and Pocognoli and the SFA are now trying to “convince” him to represent them at senior level.
Erhahon has starred for Bolton so far this season, and currently ranks among the best midfielders in the English Championship when it comes to his pass completion rate.
The former Lincoln City man is also combative and rangy in the middle of the park, and is not afraid of an all-action game.