Scotland's opening four matches under Sébastien Pocognoli have intensified scrutiny of the team's tactical direction.
The run featured poor defending, an unsettled formation and captain Andy Robertson questioning his teammates' attitude during the Nations League campaign.
According to The Guardian, Scotland are likely to finish third in Group B1, a placing that could affect their seeding for Euro 2028 qualifying.
The four games produced a goalless draw with Slovenia, a 3-0 loss to Switzerland, a 2-0 win over North Macedonia and a further defeat to Slovenia.
The Guardian reported that the Switzerland defeat followed an early red card and saw Scotland fail to register a shot on target.
The latest Slovenia performance at Hampden Park was described by the same outlet as another serious setback.
Tactical Approach Under Review
Pocognoli has routinely used a three-man defense, with high pressing and attacking wingbacks central to his approach.
The Guardian reported that Scotland have repeatedly left space behind the defense, while counterattacks have bypassed the midfield.
The concerns are heightened because Scotland previously succeeded under Steve Clarke with a compact and disciplined approach, according to The Guardian.
Clarke's seven-year tenure ended after Scotland qualified for three of the last four major tournaments.
Pocognoli has defended his tactical adaptability and said he is "flexible" tactically.
The Guardian reported that he also disputed the idea that he had a touchline dispute with Robertson.
The squad's personnel present another challenge, with The Guardian saying Scotland do not have an obvious two-man central defensive pairing.
The change to a back four late against Slovenia appeared to leave players confused.
Ben Gannon-Doak has become a particular point of contention.
BBC Sport reported before the Slovenia match that the 20-year-old Bournemouth winger could again operate as a wingback after combining defensive work with attacking runs in North Macedonia.
The Guardian argued that Gannon-Doak's pace and directness are valuable but that his decision-making remains inconsistent.
It also said using him as a right wingback prevents Aaron Hickey, described as one of Scotland's best players, from starting.
Scotland's midfield structure also remains unresolved.
The Guardian said the current system does not maximize Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Ryan Christie and Billy Gilmour.
BBC Sport highlighted uncertainty over McGinn's position alongside Gilmour and Lewis Ferguson.
BBC Sport reported that Pocognoli had made only limited changes despite saying he would use his squad across four matches.
The team had also faced the physical demands of four games in 11 days.
The Scottish Football Association has also expanded its football structure, with Craig Mulholland as chief football officer and Graeme Mathie as head of strategy, operations and performance, according to The Guardian.
The Guardian reported that 34,000 fans attended Slovenia's visit to Hampden Park, almost 20,000 below capacity.
The next fixtures in November will carry added importance as Scotland seek a more convincing direction under Pocognoli.
