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After his sacking by Monaco in early June, Pocognoli said he had learned lessons and would take time to prepare for his next job “with calm and determination”.<\/p>\n
He left having finished seventh in his sole season in Ligue 1, having been lured from Union Saint-Gilloise in the October. It was at the progressive Belgian club – like Hearts, part of the Jamestown orbit – where he forged his reputation.<\/p>\n
After his 17-year career as a left-back in the top divisions in England, Germany and the Netherlands, and Belgium ended, he worked with the youngster at USG and with the Belgian national set up.<\/p>\n
Then, in 2024, he ascended to the senior team, winning the Belgian Super Cup almost immediately before leading the club to a first league title since 1935 and a tilt at the Champions League.<\/p>\n
Before long, Monaco came calling, impressed by Pocognoli’s bold approach. <\/p>\n
He is said to favour an attacking 3-4-1-2 system which he himself has described as “a dominant one, with and without the ball. High pressing, counter-pressing, but also real mastery in possession”.<\/p>\n
“For me, players are artists,” he added. “And for an artist to put on a good show, they must be comfortable mentally and physically.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n