{
  "id": 11125079,
  "title": "You are the Scotland boss - what would you do?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/you-are-the-scotland-boss-what-would-you-do",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T06:17:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Sport Football",
    "slug": "bbc-sport-football",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cq7702pre6l4o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As Scotland's head coach, Sebastien Pocognoli prepares to lead his team against North Macedonia in Skopje, he is eager to build upon his recent results. After a goalless draw in Slovenia and a demoralizing 3-0 home defeat by Switzerland, Pocognoli is optimistic about taking his side to Nord Macedonia, a team that has struggled in recent matches against both the Swiss and Slovenia.\n\nDespite his preference for a three-at-the-back system, Pocognoli may need to adapt his tactics for the North Macedonia match. With Jack Hendry suspended after his early red card in the Swiss game, Pocognoli will likely make at least one change. However, whether he sticks with his three-at-the-back formation or experiments with other systems remains to be seen.\n\nNew team boss Pocognoli has made three changes from the opener, including the debut of Swansea City's Stephen Welsh and Dinamo Zagreb's Scott McKenna. Neither of these players have disappointed thus far, and Pocognoli may be tempted to give them even more playing time. However, he will likely retain the experience of players like Nathan Patterson, who has struggled to establish himself in recent matches, and Josh McPake, who has yet to make his debut for Scotland.\n\nCaptain Andy Robertson will definitely feature, having been replaced for the final 15 minutes in the Swiss defeat. The Tottenham Hotspur player is unlikely to get any more rest before the North Macedonia clash. Meanwhile, Aaron Hickey, who has been struggling with injuries, could return after being rested against the Swiss. His inclusion in the starting lineup would depend on Scotland's defensive needs against North Macedonia.\n\nPocognoli's team faces a crucial match against North Macedonia, with the result likely to impact Scotland's standing in the Nations League. With the Swiss and Slovenia already losing their respective matches, Pocognoli's side has an opportunity to secure a top spot or even finish second in the group. His decision-making on the substitutes bench will play a significant role in securing a positive outcome for Scotland.",
  "summary": "Put yourself in the shoes of the new Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli as he picks his first home XI to face North Macedonia.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "You are the Scotland boss - what would you do?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/you-are-the-scotland-boss-what-would-you-do-11125124",
        "published": "2026-10-01T06:17:36.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}