Pocognoli feels positive nervousness ahead of first Scotland test in Slovenia
Sebastien Pocognoli says he feels "positive nervousness" before his first match as Scotland head coach.
Scotland travel to Ljubljana to face Slovenia on Saturday in their opening Nations League tie. The Nations League is UEFA's competition for national teams, played in groups of similarly ranked sides with promotion and relegation. Scotland are in Group B1.
"If we talk about nerves, yes, but it's a positive nervousness," Pocognoli told BBC Sport Scotland. The line captures the mood of a new beginning. Excitement, not fear.
Pocognoli was appointed in August, replacing Steve Clarke after seven years in charge. Clarke's tenure ended after Scotland went out of the World Cup at the group stage. A new head coach brings a new voice, new ideas and a chance to reset.
The calendar has given him no gentle introduction. Scotland play four Nations League matches in 11 days. After Slovenia away, they host Switzerland at Hampden, travel to North Macedonia, then welcome Slovenia to Glasgow. It is a block that will test fitness, focus and squad depth.
Away days in international football bring noise, travel and an unfamiliar stadium. They demand calm heads. Starting with one in Ljubljana will tell Pocognoli plenty about his group.
Preparation has been deliberate. Scotland held a warm-weather training camp in La Manga, Spain, before heading to Slovenia. Time together in the sun gives a new coach extra hours on the training pitch to share his principles. It also helps players recover and bond between games.
Pocognoli has spoken of having a "good mix" in his first squad and of targeting a winning start, according to Sky Sports. That squad was named earlier this month for the Group B1 fixtures, as confirmed by the Scottish FA. A winning start on the road would ease the pressure before the home crowds get involved.
What makes this stand out is the feeling of a fresh page. Scotland supporters lived every minute of that short World Cup campaign. Now they have a different figure on the touchline and a different rhythm to watch.
For fans, this means a chance to judge the team with fresh eyes. Watch for the energy in the opening minutes in Ljubljana. Watch for how quickly the players adapt to new instructions.
A good result would lift the mood around the national team. It would send the Tartan Army to Hampden with belief. For now, Pocognoli is embracing the nerves.
