Igor Tudor emerges as Algeria’s latest option in search for new head coach

Algeria are considering appointing Igor Tudor as their next head coach, a move that would give the former Tottenham manager his first senior role in international football.

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) is assessing a wide range of candidates as it searches for a successor to Vladimir Petkovic. Tudor, who is currently without a club, has now been added to a list that has already included Rafael Benitez, Felix Sanchez, Tom Saintfiet, Paulo Bento and Walter Mazzarri.

The possibility of Tudor taking charge of the Fennecs was reported by Khaled Mazouzi, a journalist with AL24news. The variety of names linked with the position has prompted speculation that the FAF may be keeping its plans deliberately unclear while negotiations continue.

Tudor has never managed a national team. His only previous experience within international football came with Croatia, where he worked as assistant to Igor Stimac between July 2012 and April 2013.

The 48-year-old Croatian has built most of his coaching career in club football. He has managed Galatasaray, Marseille, Lazio and Juventus, among other teams, before taking charge of Tottenham.

His spell in north London ended quickly and unsuccessfully. Tottenham dismissed Tudor at the end of March after only one month in the job, during which the club recorded one win, one draw and five defeats.

Despite that brief and difficult experience, Tudor could be a financially realistic option for the FAF. He reportedly accepted a reduced salary to return to management in London, earning 1.75m euros per year, or slightly more than 145,000 euros per month before bonuses.

That figure falls within the salary range set by the Algerian federation, which has reportedly placed a monthly ceiling of 160,000 euros for the new manager.

However, Tudor is not currently regarded as the leading candidate. According to Mazouzi, Mazzarri has become the preferred choice of the FAF’s decision-makers.

The Italian is said to have moved ahead of Felix Sanchez and Tom Saintfiet in the race. Both of those coaches have reportedly agreed to take the position, although the federation has yet to finalise its appointment.

The search comes as Algeria weigh up several experienced coaches with backgrounds at major European clubs and international teams. Tudor would offer a different profile from some of the other candidates, while also becoming the first coach of the national side to take up his first international management position with the Fennecs.

For now, Mazzarri appears to have the advantage, but the continuing appearance of new names suggests the FAF’s final decision remains open.