Algeria begins preparations in Jeddah ahead of friendlies

The Algerian national team commenced its preparatory camp in Jeddah with an initial training session, marking the official start of preparations ahead of two international friendlies.

The matches, scheduled against Zimbabwe and Saudi Arabia, form part of the current FIFA international window.

The first session was conducted under the guidance of head coach Vladimir Petkovic, who emphasized fitness, tactical cohesion, and integrating returning players into the squad.

We aim to fine-tune our strategies and ensure the team is in optimal condition for both matches, Petkovic stated.

The session included a combination of physical conditioning, ball circulation exercises, and situational drills to sharpen defensive organization and attacking transitions.

Algeria’s squad arrived in Jeddah over the weekend, with players traveling from various European and domestic clubs.

The camp provides an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess squad depth, particularly among players who have been less involved in previous matches, while also testing new tactical approaches ahead of major competitions, including the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

The friendly against Zimbabwe is viewed as an important moment for Algeria to consolidate its playing style and maintain the momentum established in recent tournaments.

Coach Petkovic highlighted the significance of balancing match intensity with player recovery: “We are aware of the tight schedules and the physical demands on our players.

Every session and every friendly match will be carefully planned to protect the squad while achieving our objectives.”

In addition to tactical work, the Jeddah camp serves as a platform to integrate younger talents and evaluate fringe players for potential inclusion in future international competitions.

The coaching staff is also closely monitoring player fitness levels, particularly those returning from injury or limited club appearances.

Preparations will continue with multiple daily training sessions focusing on technical precision, set-piece routines, and match simulations.

Analysts within the camp are providing real-time performance feedback, ensuring that adjustments can be made quickly to maximize the team’s effectiveness during the friendlies.

The two upcoming matches are scheduled to provide both competitive and strategic benefits.

While Zimbabwe presents a traditional test of discipline and organization, Saudi Arabia will offer a faster, more dynamic challenge, allowing Algeria to measure its adaptability against different styles of play.

As the squad settles into Jeddah, expectations remain high for constructive outcomes from the camp.

The preparation period is designed not only to maintain fitness and sharpen tactical awareness but also to reinforce team cohesion ahead of more critical fixtures on the international stage.