Following Steve Clarke’s resignation, Scotland fans eagerly anticipated a new direction for the national team. Enter Sebastian Pocognoli, who promised a front-foot, attacking style, yet the implementation has been a mixed bag during his initial four matches.

In this period, Scotland faced the highs and lows of international football:

• North Macedonia away showcased promising play.
• Switzerland at home revealed weaknesses.
• Slovenia at home was a blend of both good and bad.

Key Takeaways from Pocognoli's Tenure:

1. Wing-Back Woes
Pocognoli's return to a back three—previously successful under Clarke—has raised questions about functionality. The squad, lacking wingers, saw Ben Gannon-Doak and Andy Robertson as wing-backs. While this formation aimed for flexibility, it often appeared rigid, particularly evident when the coach shifted to a back four in the Slovenia match, where creativity surged with Curtis and McPake.

2. Flustered Attack
Pocognoli experimented with a 3-5-2 formation before transitioning to a 3-4-2-1 against Slovenia. While McBurnie, Bowie, and Ure showed glimpses of promise, only one striker may fit in the strongest lineup. The dynamic duo of John McGinn and Scott McTominay is expected to return next month, but questions remain about tactical adjustments.

3. The Gilmour Gambit
Billy Gilmour, celebrating his 50th cap, was repositioned from deep playmaker to a more advanced role. This shift aimed to enhance Scotland's pressing game but left the team vulnerable during counter-attacks. Despite these challenges, Gilmour's performance has been a bright spot, solidifying his place as a vital component in Pocognoli's plans.