Hemdani faces immediate Algeria pressure over decision to delay international career

Brahim Hemdani was confronted with questions about his own international past during his first news conference as Algeria manager, just hours after unveiling a squad featuring significant changes following the 2026 World Cup.

The 48-year-old has succeeded Vladimir Petkovic and was initially able to point to a largely positive reaction to his first selection. However, before he can be judged on results, Hemdani was asked to explain why he should persuade players to represent Algeria after waiting until late in his own career to do so.

“’How, as a manager, are you going to convince players to join the national team when, as a player, you turned your back on the national team yourself?’” an Algerian journalist asked.

The question prompted a smile from Hemdani, who replied: “That’s good, you’re direct. I like direct people.”

Hemdani spent much of his playing career at the highest level without representing Algeria, despite being wanted by the national side for a long period. The former Olympique de Marseille and Glasgow Rangers player eventually made his international debut in 2008, aged 30, but represented the Fennecs only four times.

He did not attempt to revise that part of his career.

“When you have a career, you make choices. I stand by my choices,” he said.

The circumstances of the period also formed part of the discussion. Algeria faced considerably greater sporting and organisational difficulties in the early 2000s than it does today, while the country was still affected by the instability of the “black decade” between 1992 and 2002.

The civil war had consequences across Algerian society, including sport and football. That context does not remove the criticism, however, with other dual nationals from Hemdani’s generation, including Djamel Belmadi, choosing to represent the Fennecs during the same difficult period.

Hemdani offered no further justification, instead focusing on the challenge ahead.

“I experienced the highest level as a player and I also played in high-stakes competitions. I want to be in that dressing room and build a collective strength capable of achieving major objectives,” he said.

He acknowledged that the role would inevitably bring scrutiny from both the media and supporters.

“You do not accept this job if you are not ready to face the press and public pressure,” he said.

His first squad has nonetheless received some favourable early responses. Twelve players from the 2026 World Cup are absent, while several others have returned, underlining the renewal promised by the new manager.

Hemdani stressed that no player had been permanently excluded.

“The national team reflects a particular moment. Nobody has been ruled out; performances alone will be the criteria,” he said.

He also made clear that securing universal approval was not his priority.

“I am not trying to achieve unanimity. What matters to me is having a strong relationship with my players and getting positive results.”

Hemdani has accepted the debate over his past. His task now is to win support through his work with Algeria.