Robertson questions Scotland intensity as Pocognoli admits shortcomings

Andy Robertson questioned Scotland's intensity after their 2-1 Nations League defeat by Slovenia at Hampden Park, saying the team had failed to build on their victory in North Macedonia. Speaking to BBC Sport Scotland, the captain said the shortcomings extended across the side, while head coach Sebastien Pocognoli accepted that Scotland had not merited a win.

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Robertson said the positive mood following Saturday's success had not translated into another strong performance. He raised tiredness as a possible factor without offering it as an explanation, noting that Slovenia had played just as many matches. In his assessment, the visitors had shown greater freshness and appetite, and Scotland had been beaten in a contest of effort as well as football.

Pocognoli also identified failings in Scotland's decision-making with the ball and their ability to compete in individual duels, according to the BBC. He said the team would need to learn from the defeat as it continued adapting to his approach. The coach acknowledged that the defensive shape had lacked compactness while Scotland tried to play proactively.

The BBC's match report described a reversal after Ryan Christie had put the hosts ahead before half-time. His close-range finish followed a cross from Ben Gannon-Doak and a scramble in front of goal. The advantage did not last: Danijel Sturm supplied Aljosa Matko for the equaliser, before Matko returned the favour by setting up Sturm to complete Slovenia's comeback.

Scotland's late attempts to respond included the introduction of Hearts winger Josh McPake for his international debut. Appeals for penalties brought no change to the score, leaving Pocognoli still seeking his first home victory. The result followed the home loss to Switzerland and brought Scotland's four-match international window to an end with another defeat in front of their own supporters.

The evening had begun with recognition of Robertson's 100-cap milestone, with former Scotland managers Gordon Strachan, Alex McLeish and Steve Clarke attending the presentation. By the final whistle, attention had shifted from that celebration to the team's performance. For Robertson and Pocognoli, the immediate task was to understand why Scotland had been unable to sustain the standards reached in their previous match.