Algeria weigh up Benitez, Martinez and Peseiro after Petkovic exit

Vladimir Petkovic has left his role as Algeria manager after agreeing an amicable separation with the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), which is now considering a prestigious shortlist of potential replacements.

The federation confirmed Petkovic’s departure on Monday, following Algeria’s elimination in the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup. The 66-year-old had been under pressure after that early exit, and both parties have now reached an agreement to end his contract by mutual consent.

The FAF has already begun its search for a successor and is understood to be focusing on an experienced Spanish or Portuguese coach. An approach for Xavi is reported to have been unsuccessful, but the federation is continuing to explore alternatives.

According to journalist Romain Molina, Rafael Benitez has emerged as the FAF’s “piste prioritaire et revee” – its priority and dream option.

Benitez has enjoyed a distinguished career, winning major honours and managing some of Europe’s biggest clubs. However, his reputation has inevitably been affected by a series of less successful appointments in recent years.

After leaving Real Madrid, he spent three years at Newcastle United. Since 2019, he has taken charge of Dalian Professional in China, Everton, Celta Vigo and Panathinaikos.

Panathinaikos dismissed him in May after only a few months in charge, with the club finishing fourth in the league. His most celebrated spell came at Liverpool, where he was manager during the club’s remarkable comeback against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul.

Appointing Benitez would give Algeria a manager with a major international profile, although it remains uncertain whether his arrival would generate the same excitement among supporters that his earlier achievements once did.

Roberto Martinez is another name that could appeal strongly to the Algerian public. The Spanish coach has been without a job since leaving Portugal after the 2026 World Cup and is described by Molina as a “fantasme” – a dream target – for some members of the FAF.

However, Martinez’s salary could prove prohibitive. He reportedly earned 4m euros a year with Portugal, more than twice Petkovic’s reported 1.8m euros and well beyond Algeria’s current financial means.

That makes Jose Peseiro a more realistic alternative behind Benitez. Peseiro, the former Nigeria manager, currently leads Al Ula in Saudi Arabia and is considered a possible plan B.

Naim Beneddra reports that there are no concrete discussions at present between the FAF and Peseiro. The Portuguese coach is said to be “feeling very good” in Saudi Arabia, where he remains settled.

Peseiro does, however, reportedly have “a lot of affection” for Algeria. He came close to being appointed manager in 2024 and would not rule out taking charge of the Fennecs if the possibility becomes more concrete.

The FAF must now decide whether to pursue the high-profile but potentially expensive option of Benitez, attempt to make Martinez’s appointment financially viable, or turn to Peseiro as a more attainable candidate.