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".

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.

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.

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.

Before long, Monaco came calling, impressed by Pocognoli's bold approach.

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".

"For me, players are artists," he added. "And for an artist to put on a good show, they must be comfortable mentally and physically."