Algeria’s national team coach, Christian Gourcuff, is in mourning following the passing of his mother. The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) confirmed the sad news and extended its condolences through its president, Mohamed Raouraoua, to the French coach, who is currently with the national team at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.
Despite the difficult personal moment, Gourcuff is expected to remain with the Fennecs and not return to Brittany for the funeral. His commitment comes just before a critical second group-stage match against Ghana, following Algeria’s solid 3-1 win over South Africa in their tournament opener.
Gourcuff, who took over as Algeria head coach after the 2014 World Cup, is now facing the challenge of leading his team while dealing with a personal loss—a situation that is sure to draw both sympathy and respect from players and supporters alike.
