Algeria commenced its AFCON 2023 campaign with a reserved performance, securing a 1-1 draw against Angola in the first group stage match. However, the star player and team captain, Riyad Mahrez, has found himself in the crosshairs of critics for his subdued display during the game.
In response to the mounting criticism, Coach Djamel Belmadi addressed the matter assertively during a press conference held this Friday.
Belmadi, undeterred by the opinions circulating in the media, expressed, “The criticism of Riyad Mahrez is not new.
In 2019, he was also criticized. I don’t listen to journalists. Riyad Mahrez is the European champion. He doesn’t even listen to criticism. We are focused on the team, the match.”
Mahrez, a seasoned professional with a decade-long tenure in the national team, has been a pivotal figure in Algeria’s footballing successes.
However, questions have emerged regarding his current form, with some pundits highlighting concerns about his ability to sustain peak performance throughout entire matches at the age of 32.
Furthermore, tactical considerations have been brought into the discourse, suggesting that a shift in his positioning to a more central role might better suit his experience and playing style.
As Algeria prepares for the upcoming clash against Burkina Faso on Saturday at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, Ivory Coast, the focus remains on securing three crucial points.
The draw against Angola has heightened the significance of the upcoming match, and Belmadi will undoubtedly be contemplating tactical adjustments to ensure a more assertive performance from his team, with Mahrez at the forefront.
The pressure is palpable for Algeria, emphasizing the importance of a victory against Burkina Faso to navigate the group stage without undue complications.
The match on Saturday promises to be a critical juncture for the Fennecs, and the spotlight will inevitably be on Riyad Mahrez as he seeks to silence his critics and lead Algeria to success in AFCON 2023.
Djamel #Belmadi : ” Les critiques envers #Mahrez existent depuis 2019, Riyad est champion d’Europe, ceux qui critiquent #Mahrez, moi et la sélection sont connus, nous ne prêtons aucune attention à ces critiques “.#Algerie #Algeria 🇩🇿 ❤️ 💯 pic.twitter.com/oux968R4jI
— FARID BOUSSALEM (@faridmca1921) January 19, 2024
