Algeria close to appointing former Qatar coach Felix Sanchez Bas

The Algeria Football Federation (FAF) is understood to have reached a principle agreement with Felix Sanchez Bas to become the country’s next manager, according to Algerian media outlet Competition.

Sanchez Bas is reported to be the leading candidate to replace Vladimir Petkovic, whose departure by mutual consent was officially confirmed earlier this week. Unless there is a late change, the Spanish coach could be appointed in the coming days.

The National Technical College met on Thursday at the national technical centre in Sidi Moussa to review the shortlist of candidates selected by the FAF. The meeting was attended by “cheikh” Rabah Saadane and national technical director Ali Moucer.

The federation had said it would assess candidates according to three criteria: competence, experience and suitability for its sporting project.

Several coaches were considered, but the preference for a manager capable of building a team over the long term has become increasingly clear. The FAF is seeking a coach with a strong record in player development and a distinct football philosophy.

Sanchez Bas is believed to have moved ahead of the other candidates because he fits that profile. Discussions with the former Qatar and Ecuador manager are said to have made significant progress, with a preliminary agreement reportedly already in place.

Financial terms are also thought to have been an important factor. The Spanish coach would accept the limits set by the federation, which is unwilling to exceed the monthly salary of about 160,000 euros paid to Petkovic under his most recent contract. Sanchez Bas’s proposed salary would be around 150,000 euros per month.

A contract running from 15 August 2026 to 31 July 2028 is being considered, according to Competition. His initial target would be to guide Algeria to at least the semi-finals of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Sanchez Bas has attracted interest for a number of reasons. He came through the FC Barcelona academy before working at Aspire Academy, where he established a reputation for developing young players.

He later guided several age groups in Qatar before taking charge of the senior national team. During that period, Qatar won the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, giving Sanchez Bas his most significant achievement in international management.

His preference for possession, collective organisation and building attacks from the back is also viewed as compatible with the direction Algeria wants to take following Petkovic’s departure.

The coach’s approach to assembling his staff has further strengthened his position. Unlike Rafael Benitez, Sanchez Bas is reportedly willing to work with Algerian assistant coaches. He would, however, ask to bring at least one fitness coach and a trusted assistant, with the possibility of also including a video analyst.

That flexibility is understood to have been welcomed by the FAF, which wants the next manager to develop a closer relationship with Algeria’s local football environment.

If appointed, Sanchez Bas could begin work in mid-August. His first major task would be preparing the Fennecs for the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, which is scheduled to begin from 21 September.

After considering a number of high-profile candidates who were either too expensive or not considered a strong fit, Algeria appears to have settled on a compromise: an experienced and organised coach whose financial demands are manageable and whose methods align with the federation’s rebuilding plans.