Pocognoli urges Scotland reaction after 10-man 3-0 loss to Switzerland

Sebastien Pocognoli’s first match in charge at Hampden Park ended in a bruising 3-0 Nations League defeat to Switzerland on Tuesday night, leaving the Scotland head coach “sad” and demanding an immediate response when his side visit North Macedonia on Saturday.

Red card wrecks early game plan

Only eight minutes had elapsed when Jack Hendry was shown a red card. Scotland were then punished by a free-kick, with Pocognoli calling it “probably the worst situation that we can have”, as his side played around 80 per cent of the match a man down.

Pocognoli said Scotland had started “quite aggressive, front foot” but after eight minutes their game plan had to be abandoned. Switzerland, quarter-finalists at this year’s World Cup, capitalised to record the comfortable win that leaves Scotland with one point and no goals from their opening two fixtures following Saturday’s 0-0 draw in Slovenia.

Four games without a goal

The result extends Scotland’s scoreless run to four matches, their longest drought since 1971. Yet Pocognoli praised the players’ attitude, noting they “did their best” in transitions and set-pieces despite the numerical disadvantage.

Goalkeeper Angus Gunn insisted there was “no blame game” in the dressing room. Hendry apologised to his team-mates, but the manager replied, “that’s football, that happens… we stick together and no-one’s got to apologise for anything.”

Gunn added: “Unfortunately we couldn’t dig deep and get a result. That’s two games down and we’ve got two more to finish this camp off… Everyone’s ready for their opportunity.”

What next for Scotland?

Pocognoli, 39, accepts the stakes have risen ahead of the trip to North Macedonia. “It’s important to get a result because it can give a boost to the staff… we need a good performance in Macedonia and the result is important,” he said.

Scotland’s remaining Nations League fixtures: • 3 October – North Macedonia (A), 7.45pm
• 6 October – Slovenia (H), 7.45pm
• 13 November – North Macedonia (H), 7.45pm
• 16 November – Switzerland (A), 7.45pm

With a warm welcome from the crowd still fresh in his mind, Pocognoli admitted the lack of attacking moments left him frustrated: “We wanted to give something back and we couldn’t… we didn’t have the chance to show it.”