Roberto Martinez opens door to Algeria job with major concessions

The Algerian Football Federation is weighing a late challenge from Roberto Martinez in its search for a new manager, with the former Belgium and Portugal boss reportedly willing to reduce his financial demands and accept an Algerian assistant on his coaching staff.

The development could alter what had appeared to be a straightforward process for appointing the next manager of the Desert Warriors. Uruguay’s Gustavo Poyet, 58, had been regarded as the leading candidate, but Martinez has entered the negotiations with significant momentum in the final stages.

Poyet’s profile had impressed officials at the Algerian federation, known as FAF, particularly his coaching record, forceful personality and international experience. His potential appointment was also viewed internally as a clear change of direction from the approach taken by Vladimir Petkovic.

Although Poyet’s candidacy reportedly meets the federation’s main criteria and has attracted broad support among Algeria’s leadership, the emergence of Martinez could still prevent an agreement from being concluded.

According to French website Foot Mercato, Martinez has shown strong and unexpected enthusiasm for the prospect of managing Algeria. Sources cited in the report said the Spanish coach had been impressed by the quality of the squad and the depth of talent available to the national team.

That interest has reportedly led Martinez to accept terms that would help bring the project within the federation’s financial limits. He is said to be prepared to make substantial concessions over his salary demands, while also agreeing to the appointment of an Algerian assistant coach as part of his technical staff.

The willingness to include a local coach would represent a significant gesture of respect towards Algerian football and the country’s coaching expertise. It is also being viewed as evidence of Martinez’s determination to make the proposed project work.

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Martinez would bring extensive experience from the highest level of international football if he were appointed. He spent six years in charge of Belgium, guiding them to third place at the 2018 World Cup.

Belgium’s campaign ended in the semi-finals with a 1-0 defeat by France, before Martinez’s side recovered to secure the best World Cup finish in the country’s history. He subsequently spent the past four years managing Portugal.

His coaching career also includes a prominent spell with Everton in the English Premier League, adding domestic and international experience to a record that has made him a leading figure in the Algerian federation’s latest discussions.

The identity of Algeria’s next manager has yet to be finalised, with Poyet still considered a strong option. However, Martinez’s willingness to adjust his demands and work alongside an Algerian coach has given the federation a major alternative as it approaches a decision.