Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli admits to feeling a “positive nervousness” before his first game in charge of the country, a Nations League tie against Slovenia in Ljubljana on Saturday.
The Belgian was appointed in August, replacing Steve Clarke, whose seven-year tenure ended after Scotland’s exit at the group stages of the World Cup.
Pocognoli starts with four Nations League matches across 11 days, with the trip to Slovenia followed by Switzerland at Hampden, a fixture in North Macedonia, then a return meeting with the Slovenes in Glasgow.
“If we talk about nerves, yes, but it’s a positive nervousness,” he told BBC Sport Scotland. “We have a job with responsibility. It’s excitement and I’m just passionate about being on the touchline.”
Scotland are currently at a warm weather camp in La Manga, Spain with a much-changed squad.
Pocognoli has picked a 19-year-old in James Wilson, four 20-year-olds – Findlay Curtis, Ben Gannon-Doak, Lennon Miller and Colby Donovan – and another three aged 22 – Kristi Montgomery, Luke Graham and Robbie Ure.
With Blackburn’s Montgomery replacing the injured Kenny McLean, there are now eight uncapped players in the squad.
“It’s a lot of new faces, so it’s a challenge to find the right balance, to keep the cohesion in the team,” Pocognoli said.