New Scotland manager Sébastien pocognoli has singled out Billy Gilmour as a player he wants to see ‘‘smiling’’ on the ball, saying the Napoli midfielder’s confidence and willingness to take risks will be important for Scotland’s progress after a disappointing World Cup campaign.
- pocognoli wants Billy Gilmour to play with confidence and take risks, accepting occasional mistakes.
- Gilmour impressed in the second half of Scotland’s 0-0 Nations League draw with Slovenia, prompting praise from the new manager.
- pocognoli warned players who lack regular club minutes that selection for future qualifiers could become difficult.
- Scotland trained at Hampden ahead of hosting switzerland; switzerland faced travel problems before the match.
What Pocognoli said about Gilmour
Pocognoli praised Gilmour’s second-half performance in his managerial debut, a goalless Nations League draw away to Slovenia, and said he wants the 23-year-old to rediscover the relaxed, assertive game he showed at Brighton.
“If you have a player who plays one touch without even looking where he puts the ball it means that he understands the game plan,” Pocognoli said, adding that he had seen the version of Gilmour who plays with a smile. He warned that Gilmour will make mistakes when he takes risks — “he played bad passes against Slovenia” — but insisted those risks are necessary for the midfielder to show his qualities.
Why this matters for Scotland
Scotland arrived at the Nations League fixtures having failed to progress beyond the group stage at the World Cup, and Pocognoli is in the early stages of reshaping the squad while respecting the foundations laid by his predecessor. Midfield control and the ability to progress the ball confidently from deep are recurring themes in Pocognoli’s public comments; he identified players with the ability to play quickly and one-touch football as scarce and valuable.
Gilmour’s role is therefore key: when he is assertive on the ball he can provide tempo and distribution that Scotland lack. Pocognoli’s request that Gilmour “enjoy his football with a smile” ties into a broader tactical aim of encouraging creativity and forward momentum, even if that invites occasional errors.
Club minutes and selection warning
Pocognoli also used the press build-up to caution Scotland players who are not getting regular minutes for their clubs. He named squad members such as Ben Gannon-Doak, Ryan Christie and Aaron Hickey as players who have faced limited domestic game time this season. While Pocognoli said he is comfortable with some rotation in the months immediately after pre-season, he warned that by the time Euro 2028 qualifying begins it will be harder for players who are not playing regularly to stake a place in his squads.
He pointed to the coming fixture congestion — including European club competition — as a factor that should provide more opportunities for certain players to play, but stressed the physical demands of international football and the need for match fitness when tougher qualification matches arrive.
Immediate context: Slovenia, Hampden and Switzerland
Pocognoli made his Scotland debut against Slovenia, with Gilmour standing out in the second half of that game. Scotland trained at Hampden Park ahead of hosting Switzerland, with the new manager keen to familiarise squad members — including newcomers — with Scotland’s national stadium. Pocognoli said Hampden carries a sense of history despite not appearing old.
Switzerland travelled to Glasgow amid logistical problems: their coach Murat Yakin missed a press conference because of “hearing problems” after travel disruptions that delayed the team’s arrival. An assistant described Scotland as robust and passionate and noted the visitors were motivated to face Scotland at Hampden.
What comes next
- Pocognoli’s immediate task is to build on a goalless draw with Slovenia and to field a Scotland side at Hampden that can match the coach’s aim of being aggressive and progressive in midfield.
- Gilmour will be central to that plan if he can reproduce the confident, one-touch play Pocognoli admired from his Brighton days — and maintain the playing time at club level that keeps him match-ready.
- Pocognoli has signalled that players not featuring regularly at club level will need to up their minutes to remain in contention for future qualifiers, with the coach especially focused on squad fitness ahead of the Euro 2028 qualifying cycle.
Practical implications for fans and followers
Supporters should expect a Scotland side in transition under Pocognoli, with an emphasis on midfield control and a measured appetite for risk. Gilmour’s form and club minutes will be a reliable barometer of how Pocognoli’s ideas translate on the pitch: when Gilmour plays with the freedom the manager described, the team is likelier to create the kind of forward momentum Pocognoli wants to see.
Timeline of relevant events (from sources)
- Pocognoli appointed Scotland manager (context provided in sources about his hiring and approach).
- Pocognoli’s first match: Nations League away to Slovenia, ended 0-0; Gilmour impressed in the second half.
- Scotland trained at Hampden Park ahead of hosting Switzerland; Pocognoli emphasised the stadium’s history and familiarisation for players.
- Switzerland experienced travel problems and their head coach missed a press conference due to hearing issues ahead of the Hampden match.
Attribution and evidence
The details in this article come from reporting of Pocognoli’s remarks before Scotland’s home match with Switzerland and his reflections after the Nations League draw with Slovenia, as reported by the Guardian and associated press reports. Specific phrases and observations quoted in this piece reflect Pocognoli’s comments on Billy Gilmour’s performance and approach, and Scotland squad matters during the same media build-up.