Vladimir Petkovic admits difficulty in securing June opponents for Algeria friendlies

Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic has acknowledged the challenges he faced in arranging opponents for the national team’s June friendlies, revealing it was far from a straightforward task.

Speaking in an interview published on the Algerian Football Federation’s official YouTube channel (FAF TV), Petkovic addressed several topics, including the team’s upcoming fixtures against Rwanda on June 5 in Constantine and Sweden on June 10 in Stockholm.

“It was not easy for us to find opponents for this training camp,” the coach admitted. “We will play against two different teams; Rwanda to prepare for the AFCON, and Sweden who have a different style and who will give us other ideas for the future Inch’ALLAH.”

The former Switzerland manager, appointed earlier this year, emphasized the importance of facing contrasting styles as part of the team’s broader preparation strategy.

The match against Rwanda will simulate conditions expected at the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), while the clash with Sweden offers a test against a European footballing philosophy.

Petkovic also offered insight into his selection philosophy, addressing the highly anticipated squad announcement for the June window.

The official list of 23 players will be revealed during a press conference on Thursday at the Mohamed Sellah conference room at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki, Algiers.

“I am not a coach who hides behind excuses,” Petkovic stated firmly. “I always choose the 23 players who are ready to defend the colors of the National Team.”

His comments come as anticipation builds around the Greens’ performance under his guidance.

With Algeria looking to sharpen their tactical identity ahead of key international fixtures, the friendly double-header offers an important test of Petkovic’s system and squad cohesion.

Petkovic’s approach reflects a pragmatic yet ambitious mindset, particularly given the logistical and competitive challenges of securing suitable opponents during the international break.

His insistence on selecting players based on readiness and commitment signals a merit-based selection policy, which could influence future call-ups and squad dynamics.

As the national team prepares to regroup, attention now turns to Thursday’s press conference, where fans and media alike will be eager to see which players make the cut for these pivotal preparatory matches.

يمكنكم مشاهدة حوار الناخب الوطني فلاديمير بيتكوفيتش مع قناة الاتحاد الجزائري لكرة القدم تيفي عبر الحساب الرسمي على يوتيوب:https://t.co/L2BfZ94jAW pic.twitter.com/dfy3c6gJV6

— Équipe d’Algérie de football (@LesVerts) May 27, 2025