Algeria consider experienced Italian coach Walter Mazzarri in search for new manager

Walter Mazzarri has emerged as the unexpected leading candidate to become the next manager of Algeria, according to reports from the country.

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) is understood to have shifted its preferred option for the Fennecs’ vacant position, with the Italian coach now reportedly at the front of the queue. The latest development has come from Khaled Mazouzi, a journalist at AL24news, who says Mazzarri is currently the federation’s number-one choice.

Mazzarri, 64, is said to be moving closer to an agreement with the FAF. The experienced coach has previously managed Napoli and Inter Milan, among other clubs, and would bring a long career in Italian football to the Algeria job.

His reported emergence as the leading candidate has caused surprise because his name had not previously featured prominently in the recruitment process. His background also differs from the Spanish coaching profile that had appeared to be more closely associated with the search.

The possible appointment would represent a change in direction for the FAF, which had been exploring several other candidates. The federation’s interest in Stefano Pioli is now reportedly considered to be over after talks failed to progress.

Pioli, who previously managed AC Milan, is said to have cooled the interest of Algeria’s football authorities because of salary demands regarded as too high. There was also a disagreement over his coaching staff. Pioli reportedly wanted to retain his assistants, while the FAF is understood to want Algerian coaches to be appointed alongside the new manager.

The apparent progress with Mazzarri would also point to setbacks for Felix Sanchez and Tom Saintfiet, whose candidacies had been viewed as part of the process. According to Dzair Tube, both men had given their approval to the prospect of taking the role, but the latest reports suggest the federation may now be moving in another direction.

The situation remains unresolved, with the FAF still expected to make a final decision on the successor to the current Algeria manager. However, Mazzarri’s reported rise to the top of the list makes him the latest and most surprising name to be linked with the position.

The search has been marked by frequent changes in momentum, with a different potential favourite emerging from one day to the next. For now, the Italian appears to have taken the lead, although the final outcome of the negotiations remains to be confirmed.