Sebastien Pocognoli is desperate to win his first game as Scotland boss to give his players a boost of confidence.
Pocognoli’s reign as Scotland manager began with a goalless draw with Slovenia, although the first home match ended in a 3–0 defeat against Switzerland after Jack Hendry was sent off early on.
Scotland have failed to score in each of their last four internationals for only the second time in their history since May 1971; they have never gone five straight games without a goal.
Pocognoli (D1 L1) could become the fourth Scotland manager to fail to win any of their first three games in charge of the national team, following John Prentice, Bertie Vogts and George Burley, with the trio all failing to win any of their first four matches.
While Pocognoli dismissed suggestions Scotland must beat North Macedonia on Saturday, he knows they need a win sooner rather than later.
“No, because the challenge is longer than this camp, you know, we have to piece by piece,” Pocognoli told BBC Scotland when asked about feeling the pressure to win.
Boss#MKDSCO pic.twitter.com/7wLMzm6QOE
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) October 2, 2026
“Of course we want to have the first really positive one [win] in the square.
“In terms of ranking, we want it, but I think it’s important for the players to have the first win, everything is meaningful, because the joy of victory, and joy gives freedom to make decisions on the field and speed up the process.
“If we get the three points we deserve in Slovenia, maybe we talk a little differently, but that’s how it is.”
Scotland have lost just one of their previous seven away games in all competitions (4 D2), keeping five clean sheets.
After losing their first match against North Macedonia in September 2008 (0-1), Scotland are unbeaten in their three meetings since then (2D 1B), most recently winning 2-1 in September 2013.