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Vladimir Petkovic is the target of criticisms supported in Algeria. For his part, the Fennecs coach considers the International window of September as successful. His tactical choices, deemed chilly, the defensive weaknesses and the little attractive face displayed by the Greens against Botswana (3-1) then Guinea (0-0) in September during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers fueled the discontent of supporters as observers. But the national coach, far from being put down, delivered an astonishing reaction to say the least.
Despite the language barrier, Vladimir Petkovic carefully follows what is said about him in the Algerian media and on social networks. After the draw against Guinea, Petkovic held a long discussion with the president of the Algerian Federation (FAF), Walid Sadi, explains the Fennec Gazette. Two hours of exchanges which above all highlighted its astonishment in the face of the virulence of criticism.
The former Bordeaux coach would have told his boss not to understand the criticisms while he is about to qualify Algeria for the World Cup. For the technician, the debate around the way does not seem a priority: the essential remains the objective set by the FAF, namely to win the ticket for the World 2026. In his eyes, he fulfilled “his share of the contract” and deserves more recognition. On the accounting level, difficult to prove it wrong.
With 19 points in 8 days, Algeria dominates its group and is only a victory to formalize its qualification for the third round before facing Somalia and Uganda at home. The assessment is therefore positive, even if the quality of the game and the offensive efficiency leave something to be desired. For Petkovic, the series of invectives which he is the subject is an excessive impatience. But the 62 -year -old also knows that this success does not shelter him.
In less than three months, the Fennecs will defend their honor at the CAN 2025 in Morocco. And there, no question of hiding behind the figures: only a course at the height can silence the doubts. Criticized for his loyalty to certain disputed executives such as Riyad Mahrez and Saïd Benrahma, Petkovic assumes his project based on continuity and confidence. Pragmatic, he says he is convinced that the work will eventually bear fruit, even if it means hitting public opinion. The path is almost accomplished, but a CAN underperformance could question everything.
Aït-Nouri not concentrated by the October internship?
Wounded, Aït-Nouri had to skip the September internship with the national team. While he was thought to be recovered from his concern to the ankle, the defender of the Greens had experienced a new physical concern against Brighton & Hove Albion two days before the start of the regrouping. According to the latest news from England, the DZ will be absent for 5 weeks. And this can mean that it will miss the meeting next October. Tomorrow, the Skyblues will do without Aït-Nouri against Manchester United for the derby.
This was revealed by Pep Guardiola, coach of the Citizens, at a pre-match conference. “Marmoush is injured and will be absent for a few weeks, just like Nouri and Cherki. Stones is uncertain for Sunday, but the rest of the team is fine, “said the Spanish technician. Therefore, we understand that the greens saw his physical glitch complicated after a return which seemed precipitated. At first, he was given absent for 3 weeks after his injury against Tottenham Hotspurs on August 23. Only, the Fennec was found in the field 8 days later for the trip to Brighton. Mismanagement.
This management has repercussions on the selection since the left -hander could be unfit for the next FIFA date in October and the two important outings against Somalia and Uganda in the finish of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Fortunately, the hassles are minimal for his post because Jaouen Hadjam manages to do the job in his absence. At the worst case, Ramy Bensebaïni can also fulfill this role. Even if he leaves the defensive axis without high quality alternatives when he slides on the side. And that’s where the bottom hurts.