Former Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has been appointed the new manager of Scotland, replacing Steve Clarke after the veteran coach stepped down following the World Cup.

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) confirmed on Sunday that the 39-year-old Belgian has signed an initial two-year contract. Pocognoli will now take charge of Scotland as they prepare for their upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign.

Pocognoli takes over after spells in charge of Union Saint-Gilloise and Monaco, succeeding Steve Clarke, who resigned following Scotland’s group-stage exit from the World Cup in June.

The former Belgium international enjoyed a hugely successful first season as a head coach, guiding Union Saint-Gilloise to the 2024/25 Belgian title

Pocognoli described his appointment as a “huge honour” and revealed that he was immediately excited when he first learned of Scotland’s interest.

“When I first heard of the interest, I was immediately excited about the opportunity.”

The new Scotland boss also highlighted the passionate support surrounding the national team, recalling his experience of facing Scotland as a player for Belgium in 2013.

“Scotland’s supporters are famous for their passion – most recently at the World Cup in the USA – and I have experienced it myself as a player for Belgium when we played in 2013.”

Pocognoli is now looking forward to working with his coaching staff and continuing the progress made under Clarke.

“Along with my coaching staff, I will do everything I can to give them a team to be proud of and build on the success that has been achieved already by my predecessor.”

The appointment marks a new chapter for Scotland, with Pocognoli facing the challenge of building on the team’s recent progress while preparing them for the next Nations League campaign.