FAF weighs interim solution as Algeria’s search for a new manager stalls

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has been urged to avoid making a rushed appointment as its search for a successor to Vladimir Petkovic becomes increasingly complicated.

A number of prominent names have been linked with the Algeria job, but none has yet resulted in an agreement. Rafael Benitez, Gustavo Poyet, Tom Saintfiet, Walter Mazzarri, Stefano Pioli and Igor Tudor have all been mentioned in connection with the position.

The speculation surrounding Poyet was recently denied, while the latest developments suggest the FAF has also abandoned two other possibilities. Paulo Bento and Felix Sanchez had reportedly reached agreements to succeed Petkovic, but those discussions now appear to have been closed.

The federation is understood to have received negative feedback about Sanchez, particularly concerning his management of the squad, his communication and his relationship with the players.

The FAF is now reportedly negotiating with two coaches who remain under contract at their current clubs or national teams and are prepared to leave their respective positions. However, no appointment has been confirmed, leaving Algeria’s football authorities facing a difficult decision over whether to continue waiting for their preferred candidate or move quickly to fill the vacancy.

With the next major deadline approaching, Nabil Djellit, a journalist with L’Equipe, has called on the federation’s leadership to show patience and sound judgement. He is concerned that the desire to appoint a manager could lead to the wrong choice.

Djellit believes Algeria should not rule out beginning their qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with an interim coach in September if a suitable permanent appointment cannot be secured in time.

That option would allow the FAF to avoid committing to a candidate simply because the coaching position needs to be filled. It would also give the federation additional time to assess the available managers and complete negotiations with coaches who are currently tied to other jobs.

The uncertainty has followed a succession of reported approaches and changing possibilities. The names of Benitez, Poyet, Saintfiet, Mazzarri, Pioli and Tudor have all circulated, yet the process has failed to produce a final agreement.

The situation has therefore developed into a substantial challenge for the FAF, which must now balance the need for continuity with the importance of selecting the right person to lead Algeria. The federation’s recent rethink over Bento and Sanchez has added to the uncertainty, while the reported interest in coaches still under contract could further delay a decision.

For Djellit, waiting may be preferable to making an appointment by default. The immediate priority, he suggests, should be to avoid a misjudged choice, even if that means Algeria starts its September qualifying schedule under temporary leadership.