The Scottish Football Association is on the verge of making its most significant managerial appointment in more than two decades, with the Belgian coach Sébastien Pocognoli expected to be confirmed as Steve Clarke's successor early next week.

Pocognoli, 39, has been without a club since being sacked by Monaco in June. Should the appointment be rubber-stamped as anticipated, he will become Scotland's first non-Scottish manager since the German Berti Vogts, who took charge between 2002 and 2004.

A fresh approach after the Clarke era

Clarke's tenure ended abruptly after Scotland were eliminated at the group stage of the World Cup — a painful conclusion to what had otherwise been a broadly successful seven-year spell. The timing was particularly jarring given that Clarke had signed a four-year contract extension immediately before the tournament began. His pragmatic methods divided opinion throughout his time in the job, and the SFA clearly decided a change of philosophy was warranted.

Initial speculation linked Jon Dahl Tomasson and Kasper Hjulmand with the vacancy, but Pocognoli has emerged as the frontrunner and a deal now appears close.

Who is Sébastien Pocognoli?

Pocognoli built his reputation in Belgian football after transitioning from playing into youth coaching. His big moment came at Union Saint-Gilloise, where he guided the Brussels club to their first league title in 90 years in 2025 — a remarkable achievement that attracted wider attention across European football.

That success earned him the Monaco job, but his spell in the principality proved short-lived. He managed 38 games before being dismissed in June, leaving him available for a role that represents a significant step up in international profile.

His relative youth — at 39 he would be one of the younger national team managers in Europe — and his record of building a winning culture at Union Saint-Gilloise are likely to appeal to Scotland supporters hungry for a more expansive identity on the pitch.

Immediate challenges ahead

Pocognoli will have little time to settle in. Scotland's Nations League campaign opens with a trip to Slovenia on 26 September. His first home fixture follows just three days later when Switzerland visit Glasgow — a demanding double-header that will offer an immediate gauge of how quickly he can implement his ideas.

The market has already begun to react to the prospective appointment, and there is a clear sense of cautious optimism among Scotland fans who are keen to see what a manager with continental experience and a title-winning pedigree can bring to the national team.

  • Sébastien Pocognoli — Belgian, 39, former Union Saint-Gilloise and Monaco manager
  • First non-Scot in charge since Berti Vogts (2002–04)
  • First competitive fixture: Slovenia vs Scotland, 26 September (Nations League)
  • First home game: Scotland vs Switzerland, 29 September

An official announcement is expected early next week, at which point Pocognoli will have precious little time to prepare his squad for that opening Nations League assignment in Ljubljana.

Frequently asked

Who is Sébastien Pocognoli and why is he being linked with Scotland?
Sébastien Pocognoli is a 39-year-old Belgian manager who won the Belgian top-flight title with Union Saint-Gilloise in 2025 before taking charge of Monaco. He was sacked by Monaco in June 2026 and is now the Scottish FA's preferred candidate to replace Steve Clarke.
When is Scotland's next international match?
Scotland travel to Slovenia on 26 September for their opening Nations League fixture. Their first home game of the campaign is against Switzerland three days later, on 29 September.
Has Scotland ever had a foreign manager before?
Yes. The German Berti Vogts managed Scotland between 2002 and 2004. If Pocognoli is confirmed, he will be the first non-Scottish manager to take the role since Vogts left over 20 years ago.