Expectations were too high when Belgium were on top of the world rankings... but I know I have to keep raising the bar with Scotland, says Pocognoli

As the euro'>UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers intensify, Sebastien Pocognoli, Scotland's assistant manager, reflects on the journey of Belgium's national team during their reign at the top of FIFA's world rankings. Once lauded as the golden generation, Belgium's national squad faced mounting pressure that sometimes led to underwhelming performances in major tournaments.

Lessons from Belgium's Golden Era

During the late 2010s, Belgium reached the pinnacle of world football, holding the number one spot in the FIFA rankings. The likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, and Romelu Lukaku were expected to lead Belgium to international glory. However, despite their immense talent, the team fell short in crucial tournaments, a stark reminder of the challenges that accompany high expectations.

Pocognoli, who was part of that Belgian setup, understands the weight of expectations. "We had a tremendous squad, and the world expected us to win everything. It taught me the importance of managing expectations and the pressure that comes with being at the top," he commented in a recent interview.

Setting Ambitions with Scotland

Now, as part of Scotland's coaching staff, Pocognoli is focused on building upon the team's recent successes. Scotland has shown remarkable progress, currently vying for a spot in next year's European Championship. Pocognoli is keen to apply the lessons learned from Belgium's past to nurture Scotland's promising potential.

"With Scotland, the goal is to consistently improve and aim higher without the burden of unrealistic expectations. We have a talented squad, and the focus is on development and ensuring we can compete with the best," he stated.

Scotland's recent performances in euro'>UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying have been encouraging, with victories against strong opponents boosting their confidence. Pocognoli believes that by instilling a culture of continuous improvement, Scotland can establish themselves as a formidable force in European football.

Looking Ahead

As Scotland prepares for upcoming fixtures, the focus remains on qualifying for Euro 2024 and making a significant impact on the international stage. Pocognoli's experience with Belgium serves as a guiding light, reminding the team of the balance needed between ambition and expectation.

"We're on a journey, and the aim is to keep pushing the limits while staying grounded. The potential is there, and with hard work and the right mindset, Scotland can achieve great things," Pocognoli concluded.