With the 2024/2025 Mobilis professional Ligue 1 championship set to commence on September 14, clubs are in a frenzy to finalize their squads and technical teams. This year’s transfer window has been particularly tumultuous for coaches across the league, with numerous changes and ongoing uncertainties.
Several clubs have resumed training even as their summer transfer activities remain incomplete.
For some, the issue extends beyond player recruitment, as the search for a suitable coach and technical staff continues.
USM Alger has welcomed a new head coach, Tunisian Nabil Maâloul, replacing the Spanish Juan Carlos Garrido.
Maâloul, 61, brings a wealth of experience in African football and a storied career filled with accolades.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move to steer the Soustara club back to prominence and secure titles.
CR Belouizdad has parted ways with Brazilian coach Carlos Paqueta, despite his success in winning the Algerian Cup last season.
The club has opted for Frenchman Corentin Martins, 55, who had a stint with Paradou AC last season.
This change is in line with the club’s tradition of frequently rotating coaches.
CS Constantine, third in the standings and qualified for the Confederation Cup, has confirmed the departure of Abdelkader Amrani after much deliberation.
The club is actively seeking a replacement, with names like Kheireddine Madoui, Nabil Kouki, and Serge Romano, the assistant to former national coach Djamel Belmadi, being considered.
Entente de Sétif has seen the appointment of Reda Bendris as their new head coach. Bendris, who has a deep understanding of the club, was chosen by manager Abdelkrim Birain.
The club officials are optimistic about opening a new chapter with Bendris’ leadership and Algerian expertise.
ASO Chlef has reappointed Samir Zaoui, a former club player, as head coach after the departure of Cherif Hadjar to ES Mostaganem. Zaoui, who faced a six-month suspension in May (later reduced to four months), will be back on the bench at the season’s start.
Paradou AC has secured the services of Tunisian coach Radhi Jaïdi. Jaïdi, who signed his contract last week, will lead the club known for its robust training programs.
The team is currently finalizing its pre-season preparations.
While most clubs are experiencing coaching changes, MC Oran has retained Youcef Bouzidi and launched an extensive recruitment campaign.
USM Khenchela, US Biskra, NC Magra, MC El-Bayadh, and JS Saoura are also in the process of solidifying their coaching staff and teams.
Newly promoted Olympique Akbou has decided to move on from Mourad Karouf, the coach behind their historic promotion.
The club’s management is now focused on finding a new leader to guide them in their first top-flight season.
As highlighted by Africa Foot United, financial disparities among Ligue 1 clubs are evident not only in player recruitment but also in retaining coaches.
Many coaches face unpaid arrears, forcing them to seek opportunities elsewhere, further contributing to the volatility in coaching positions.
The upcoming season promises to be dynamic, with numerous clubs undergoing significant changes in their coaching staff.
Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how these new appointments and ongoing adjustments impact the performance and stability of the teams in Algeria’s top football league.
