Former Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has emerged as the frontrunner for the Scotland men’s national team job, with the Scottish Football Association targeting the 39-year-old Belgian to succeed Steve Clarke, according to reports. The potential appointment comes as the national side prepares for a return to competitive action in the Nations League.
The SFA Search and Leading Candidate
According to reports from BBC Sport, the 39-year-old Pocognoli is the prime candidate identified by the Scottish FA to replace Clarke. SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell and Craig Mulholland, who took over as the association’s chief football officer in May, have already spoken to several candidates regarding the vacancy. An appointment could happen imminently, given that Scotland faces a four-game block of fixtures in the Nations League starting with an away match against Slovenia on September 26.
Did you know? If appointed, Sebastien Pocognoli would become just the second foreign boss of the Scotland men’s team, following German Berti Vogts.
Coaching Background and Club Success
Pocognoli enters the international management conversation after a varied career in club football. Last season, he guided Union Saint-Gilloise to the Belgian league title, securing the club’s first championship in 90 years. That achievement earned him the Belgian Coach of the Year award in 2025 and led to USG’s first ever matches in the Champions League. Following that success, he took charge of Monaco in October of last year. Despite qualifying for Europe with Monaco, he was replaced on June 1 and has been a free agent since.
Prior to his senior managerial breakthroughs, Pocognoli worked in youth development. He coached Union Saint-Gilloise’s Under-21 side before moving to Genk as Under-18 coach, alongside handling managerial duties for Belgium’s Under-16 and Under-18 youth national teams.
Familiarity with British Football
British audiences already recognize Pocognoli from his playing days. The former left-back played 21 Premier League matches for West Bromwich Albion across a two-year spell. He later spent a season on loan in the Championship with Brighton & Hove Albion. During his playing career, he also won the Dutch Eredivisie title with AZ Alkmaar in 2009, claimed the Belgian Cup with Standard Liege in 2018, and earned 13 caps for Belgium before retiring in his early thirties.
Context of the Vacancy
The managerial vacancy opened following the departure of Steve Clarke. Clarke left the Scotland job after guiding the nation to their first World Cup since 1998, a milestone that concluded his seven-year tenure. However, the Tartan Army were sent home at the group stages after just one win from three games. Following Clarke’s departure, Steven Naismith—who served as one of his assistant, said last month he expects to continue in the national team set-up under a new boss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the leading candidate for the Scotland job?
According to BBC Sport, former Monaco and Union Saint-Gilloise coach Sebastien Pocognoli is the Scottish FA’s leading candidate.
Why did Steve Clarke leave the Scotland job?
Clarke left the Scotland job after guiding the nation to their first World Cup since 1998, bringing an end to his seven-year tenure.
What experience does Sebastien Pocognoli have?
Pocognoli previously managed Union Saint-Gilloise—winning a Belgian league title and managing in the Champions League—and had a stint as head coach of Monaco before leaving on June 1.
When do Scotland play next?
Scotland returns to action in the Nations League with a four-game block of fixtures, beginning away in Slovenia on 26 September.
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