Algeria widen coaching search as Paulo Bento talks emerge and Spanish candidate considered

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has expanded its search for Vladimir Petkovic’s successor by opening discussions over a Spanish coach who remains under contract with a club.

The identity of the coach has not been disclosed, but the federation is understood to have asked him to find a way out of his current agreement so negotiations over a possible appointment can progress. The FAF is now waiting for his response, according to Dzair Tube.

The development underlines the uncertainty surrounding Algeria’s next manager, with the federation continuing to examine a number of options rather than committing to a single candidate.

Paulo Bento is also reported to have become a stronger contender in recent days. Journalist Mohamed Djamel says the FAF has contacted the 57-year-old Portuguese, who has been without a club since leaving the United Arab Emirates in March 2025.

Bento brings considerable international experience to the process. He led Portugal to the semi-finals of Euro 2012 and later guided South Korea to the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup.

That background in international management and major tournaments could appeal to an Algerian federation looking for a swift recovery after what is described as a disappointing 2026 World Cup for the national team.

However, Felix Sanchez remains under consideration despite the emergence of alternative candidates.

The former Qatar manager appeared to have gained an advantage earlier in the process. Talks were reportedly at an advanced stage, with an agreement said to have been reached on several elements of his proposed contract.

The situation has since cooled. Sanchez is alleged to have been conducting parallel discussions with South Korea while citing family-related constraints in his conversations with the FAF. That has encouraged the Algerian federation to protect itself by pursuing several back-up options at the same time.

The current shortlist therefore includes Sanchez, Bento and the unnamed Spanish coach under contract, while other profiles are still being assessed.

The FAF is still understood to want to announce its decision before 20 August. But with the process producing a succession of twists, the identity of Petkovic’s replacement remains unresolved.

The search has continued since Petkovic’s departure, with several names appearing as possible candidates. The latest approach means the federation is not limiting itself to coaches who are currently available, and is instead prepared to explore the possibility of releasing a manager from an existing club commitment.

For now, no final choice has been made, leaving Algeria’s next head coach impossible to predict with certainty.