'A substantial rebuild needed soon' - Scotland squad evolution has potential to define new Pocognoli era

The 39-year-old Belgian was a left-field choice for the Scottish FA, checking into the Hampden hotseat with relatively little recognition in Scotland and bringing an international coaching profile that differs markedly from the appointments of recent years.

For an association proud of its own coaching pathway and development structures, the decision to look beyond Scotland was not necessarily an easy one.

“Almost totally unknown in Scotland it seems a radical departure from recent appointments, not least because he isn’t Scottish,” Nevin declared in an interview with OLBG.

The former Scotland international - capped 28 times by his country - reckons the pressure to qualify for major tournaments means the SFA’s search for the best available coach had to take precedence.

“The fact that there isn’t one of their own at the top of the pile, and crucially available, makes it painful in some respects,” Nevin commented. “But they rely on the money from qualifying for major tournaments, so getting what they think is the best coach trumps getting the best Scottish coach.”

A modern approach — but results will decide everything

Former Union Saint-Gilloise and AS Monaco boss Pocognoli arrives with the reputation of being a modern, progressive coach. The emphasis on data and analysis point towards a different approach, but Nevin was quick to stress that such concepts only take a coach so far.

His predecessor Steve Clarke established a remarkable level of consistency, guiding the country to three of the last four major tournaments following decades of disappointment.

Whether Pocognoli can maintain that remarkable run is yet to be determined, but the expectation is clear.

"Clearly the new man is a modern coach,” Nevin stated. “The language itself from inside Hampden Park mentioning metrics and data front and centre tells you something, but that will last half an hour into his first game, then it will be about the results.

"The absolute truth is no one has any idea if he will continue Steve’s incredible record. The hope and the expectation is that he will improve the nation's fortunes from a solid base but it will not be easy.

Squad evolution will define Pocognoli’s tenure

Perhaps the biggest question facing the new boss is not how Scotland look like at present, but what they will look like in years to come.

The current squad still possesses elite players capable of competing at the highest level, but the likes of John McGinn and Andy Robertson cannot be expected to carry Scotland indefinitely.

That makes the development of the next generation arguably Pocognoli’s most important long-term task. A rebuild is looming, and it will be during that process rather than the immediate qualification campaigns that the Belgian’s coaching ability is truly tested.

"The most obvious concern is the throughput of young talent capable of being successful at international level,” Nevin added. “Serious top internationals such as McGinn, Robertson and Kieran Tierney cannot last forever, even though we hope they can each get another tournament or two. In reality there is a substantial rebuild needed soon and that is when we will discover how good Pocognoli is.”

Pocognoli will have to quickly familiarise himself with the realities of Scottish football. His knowledge of the domestic game is understandably limited at present, while the pool of SPFL players available to Scotland is smaller than it might initially appear.

But Nevin caveated that by suggesting: "He is however young, hopefully he has fresh ideas, apparently has a very likeable personality and has already intimated he understood the importance of the spirit that Steve Clarke brought to the group.”

There are reasons for optimism. Pocognoli is young, has fresh ideas and recognises the importance of team spirit that became such a defining feature of Clarke’s successful seven-year reign.

Qualification is the minimum — but Scotland want more

Nevin argues the definition of success for the Scottish FA is relatively straightforward, but the Tartan Army’s expectations have evolved. After years of qualification failure, simply being there at major tournaments is no longer enough for many supporters. They want Scotland to be more competitive on the big stage and play an eye-catching brand of football.

“In terms of the SFA, success is simply qualifying, everything else is a bonus. For the Tartan Army who have been so incredible with their support, they now want something more. They want style, a little more entertainment - though if you weren’t entertained by Scotland's 4-2 qualifying win against Denmark back in November last year, you should check to see if you still have a pulse.”

Beyond achieving qualification lies the target that has remained frustratingly out of reach: progressing beyond the group stage at a major tournament. Scotland have repeatedly reached finals in recent years but have yet to translate that into a deep tournament run.

That makes Pocognoli’s challenge particularly fascinating. He is not being asked merely to replicate Clarke’s achievements. He is being given the opportunity to take Scotland somewhere their previous manager could not.

There is also an important historical point to remember. Despite the disappointment surrounding Scotland’s World Cup exit, Clarke remains the most successful manager in the national team’s history.

Pocognoli therefore takes over a group of players that has already experienced an unprecedented level of success - but also a support base that now believes it is capable of more.

“If Pocognoli takes that next step he will become an adopted Scottish son as well as a football legend,” Nevin said, albeit there is one unavoidable caveat. “The word ‘if’ is however doing a lot of heavy lifting in that sentence.”

That may be the most accurate description of Scotland’s new era. Pocognoli has an intriguing profile, brings a fresh perspective and a strong platform on which to build. But until the competitive action begins in September, nobody can say with certainty whether this bold appointment will prove inspired or misguided. For now, the nation can only wait and see.