French coach Bernard Casoni has expressed strong interest in the idea of coaching the Algerian national football team. In an interview with Qatari site “winwin”.
Casoni stated, “The idea of coaching the Algerian national team is fantastic for me, and it is something I cannot reject at all.
What further increases my interest in this task is that I know Algeria well.
My previous work with MC Alger and MC Oran has given me insight into the mindset of players participating in the local or even professional league.”
Casoni, in the interview, also highlighted his familiarity with handling the pressure from fans and media.
He mentioned, “I know how to deal with the pressure of fans and the media, and this does not frighten me at all.
I worked with Olympique de Marseille and MC Alger, both of which come with unprecedented pressure, even ten times more than elsewhere.
Despite that, I managed to do a good job, and the fans were impressed with what I achieved.”
“The Algeria national team has many players with exceptional levels, and with the determination they show to correct the course, I believe I have the ability to do a good job if entrusted with the task of coaching the team.
However, I must confirm that I have not received any official offer yet.
To be honest, some agents proposed my name to the Algerian Football Federation.
Still, they are currently engrossed in resolving some pending issues, especially those related to Djamel Belmadi’s file,” Casoni added.
Casoni also addressed the recent setback of the Algerian national team in the Africa Cup of Nations, leading to the removal of coach Djamel Belmadi.
He commented, “I cannot precisely explain what happened to Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations because I was not present with them.
However, what I know is that Belmadi did an excellent job during the years he coached the team, winning a continental title.
We cannot overnight label him as a bad coach. Some circumstances might have worked against him, and this happens in the football world.
We should not forget that football in Africa has evolved, and the task for the big teams is no longer easy.
We saw how Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, and Cameroon were eliminated.”
Returning to the issue of racism, which had previously led to Casoni’s suspension by the French Football Federation and subsequent dismissal from coaching Orleans in the third division, Casoni said, “I have overcome that stage, and they did it just to break me and for some personal interests.
Anyone who knows me from various countries knows that I am not racist, and if I were, I would not have worked in the Arab Maghreb for 20 years with various teams.”
In conclusion, Bernard Casoni spoke about his former team MC Alger, stating, “During my time, we struggled a lot due to a lack of calm and some side issues, which negatively impacted us and hindered us from achieving titles.
But now, based on my follow-up of MC Alger, the situation is different.
I believe the most important thing the current management has done is to protect the team from external interference.
This is crucial for both the coach and the players to succeed, especially since the fans support them strongly and stand behind them wonderfully.”
