New Scotland boss Sebastien Pocognoli says side had to suffer before coming good in Slovenia

New Scotland boss Sebastien Pocognoli says his side had to endure suffering before they showed promise in their goalless draw against Slovenia.

The Nations League campaign started in Ljubljana and it took Pocognoli’s men around 40 minutes to register a shot as the hosts dominated the early proceedings.

But a change of shape at half-time saw Scotland impose themselves on the game and had chances to win it.

Pocognoli said: “The last feeling in the dressing room some minutes ago was positive because we had a good second half.

“We faced what we expected, a really aggressive Slovenia team but we were a little bit surprised about the shape.

“It looked like a back five, but it was actually a back four when they were on the ball.

“Because of that we really struggled to find a way to press so we were quite deep and low on the pitch. That meant we suffered.

“But what we learned from the first half was that we had to defend the box well – to be resilient and to just suffer together.

“I think it’s nice to have a moment like this also, when a new gaffer starts.”

Pocognoli didn’t want to dwell too much on the missed opportunities which fell to Oli McBurnie – returning after a five-year absence from the national set up – and substitute Kieron Bowie who replaced debutant Robbie Ure who also hit the post.

He added: “I don’t want to make a big topic about the missing of chances. That can happen.

“But what the offensive players delivered also in terms of pressing was maybe more than they have done before. So maybe they missed some freshness in the last movement.

“But, yes, we should have scored, but we are happy about the general performance. The strikers were the last detail today.”