Pocognoli admits 'positive nervousness' ahead of Scotland debut

Scotland’s new head coach, Sebastien Pocognoli, said he felt a ‘positive nervousness’ before his first Nations League match against Slovenia in Ljubljana. The Frenchman is eager to prove himself as he takes the reins of the national side.

In his first game in charge of the Scottish national team, head coach Sebastien Pocognoli admitted to feeling a ‘positive nervousness’ before the Nations League tie against Slovenia in Ljubljana.

The match, scheduled for Saturday, is the opening fixture of Scotland’s campaign in the newly restructured European Nations League, a competition that offers both a chance for silverware and qualification for the European Championships.

Pocognoli said the nerves were a sign that he takes the role seriously, and that the pressure of a debut is a positive driver for performance.

Scotland will look to build on the experience of this match as they aim to secure points and establish a foundation for future international fixtures.

With the Nations League running through the year, the next challenge for the Scots will be a home fixture against a group opponent, where the lessons from Ljubljana will be put to the test.