Reda Bendris has turned down the opportunity to become the new head coach of USM Khenchela, following the resignation of Chérif Hadjar in the wake of the club’s defeat to JS Saoura.
Bendris had been widely expected to take charge but ultimately decided against accepting the offer from club president Walid Boudrouma.
His decision came after assessing the challenges facing the team, particularly the unresolved contract dispute with former coach Hadjar, who is demanding full payment of his compensation before officially departing.
Bendris had been awaiting clarity from Khenchela’s management before making his decision.
During this period, his assistant, Louail, observed the team from the stands in their recent match against Mostaganem.
After consultations, Bendris chose to withdraw from consideration, citing the difficulty of the task ahead.
USM Khenchela currently finds itself in a precarious position in the Ligue 1 Mobilis table, sitting 13th with 20 points after 18 matches.
The club faces a demanding schedule, hosting ASO Chlef (5th place, 27 points) on Friday before an away fixture against league leaders MC Alger on March 16.
Their struggles extend beyond the league, having been eliminated from the Algerian Cup by JS Saoura.
The team has not secured a victory since December 28 in El Bayadh and is currently on a five-match losing streak.
