Pocognoli under pressure after Slovenia beat Scotland 2-1 at Hampden

Slovenia came from behind to beat Scotland 2-1 at Hampden on Tuesday in a Nations League match, leaving new boss Sebastien Pocognoli faced with visible domestic disharmony.

Pocognoli, who favours a three-at-the-back system, altered his formation and made personnel changes at 1-1 and again after Slovenia went 2-1 up, introducing strikers and wingers in an attempt to salvage a point; the Hampden crowd, which had been largely quiet for long periods, reacted strongly at the final whistle and there were large empty sections in the stands earlier in the night.

Early warning signs came in the 13th minute when Adam Cerin got in behind Scotland and his shot had to be blocked by Jack Hendry, and later Andy Robertson had to throw himself in front of a close-range effort from Zan Vipotnik after Hendry was caught "dozing"; the back three were repeatedly exposed and Scotland struggled to close the wide and central spaces Slovenia exploited.

Ryan Christie scored to give Scotland an early advantage, but Aljosa Matko levelled for Slovenia from a move that began with a Scotland throw-in; Danijel Sturm then had a chance three minutes later when Ben Gannon-Doak remained high up the pitch, and what appeared to be a 2-1 goal was disallowed "- correctly - for offside" before Matko later went down the right and squared to Sturm, who finished after Luis Binks was caught.

Ben Gannon-Doak, who had been effective as a wing-back in Saturday's game in Skopje against North Macedonia, was targeted and kept quiet on Tuesday; Angus Gunn "didn't exactly cover himself in glory, either," while Scotland's midfield looked overrun at times.

Pocognoli said "Scotland didn't deserve to win" and captain Andy Robertson reflected his side had been "outfought," comments that underlined the mood after a night that some compared unfavourably with earlier, more successful periods under previous management.

The defeat puts Scotland's bid for second place in their Nations League group — which would offer a favourable pot-two seeding for December's Euros draw — in jeopardy; they had an opportunity to move to seven points from four games and failed to take it.

Pocognoli said he needs time and more training to impose his methods and also needs Scott McTominay "at the heart of things," with November providing the next opportunities: Scotland travel to Switzerland and then host North Macedonia.