Algeria weigh two-track coaching plan as Roberto Martinez interest grows

The Algeria Football Federation (FAF) is considering appointing an interim, all-Algerian coaching staff for the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign if it cannot reach an agreement with a foreign manager before the next international break.

According to WinWin, former Algeria captain Antar Yahia would be the real figure in charge of the national team for the opening two matches against Zambia and Burundi.

However, Yahia does not yet hold the UEFA Pro licence required to be officially registered as a national team head coach. To meet that regulatory requirement, Ibrahim Hamdani, the current coach of Algeria Under-21s and a holder of the UEFA Pro licence, could be listed as the official head coach.

That arrangement would mean Hamdani appearing as the number one coach on the match sheet, while Yahia would lead the squad and oversee its work in practice.

Yahia has already begun preparing for the next international gathering and is understood to have drawn up an extended list of about 50 players.

The possibility of such a temporary solution has emerged as the FAF continues to delay its decision on Vladimir Petkovic’s successor. The federation’s original deadline of 25 August has passed, while its new target is reportedly 15 September.

That leaves limited time before the next international window, which runs from 21 September to 6 October, and increases the likelihood that Algeria may have to begin the qualification process with an interim structure.

The FAF’s search has nevertheless been given fresh momentum by the emergence of a high-profile candidate. Roberto Martinez is reportedly very interested in the position and attracted by the potential of the Algeria squad.

The former Belgium manager is said to have been available since leaving Portugal after the 2026 World Cup. According to the report, Martinez would be prepared to lower his salary demands to fit within the FAF’s proposed ceiling of about €160,000 a month.

He would also reportedly accept the appointment of an Algerian assistant as part of his coaching staff.

Uruguay’s Gustavo Poyet remains another candidate being considered by the federation. The list of possible appointments has already included Bento, Felix Sanchez and several other names, but no agreement has yet been reached.

With the first qualifiers against Zambia and Burundi approaching, the FAF therefore faces the prospect of beginning the campaign with Yahia directing the team unofficially and Hamdani fulfilling the formal coaching role.

A decision on the permanent successor to Petkovic is expected by 15 September, although the federation’s latest deadline still falls only days before the international window begins.