Pocognoli, a former AS Monaco coach, was one of the candidates considered by the KBVB after they decided to part ways with Rudi Garcia following the World Cup. The Belgian Football Association began a swift and targeted search for a new coach, with Van Bommel and Pocognoli being two of the most concrete candidates in the running. VoetbalPrimeur reports that Pocognoli was in talks with the KBVB, but ultimately did not receive the job.
The 47-year-old Pocognoli, who played for AZ, has since gone on to become the coach of Scotland. Het Laatste Nieuws notes that Pocognoli was on the radar of several countries and had talks with the Belgian Football Association, but no further action was taken. The KBVB ultimately chose to appoint Van Bommel as the new national team coach, while Pocognoli waited only briefly for another opportunity, which he eventually received with Scotland.
The KBVB's decision to appoint Van Bommel has been confirmed, while Pocognoli is now busy preparing Scotland for their upcoming matches.