Algeria’s Djamel Benlamri calls for major changes after World Cup disappointment

Former Algeria defender Djamel Benlamri has criticised the state of Algerian football following the national team’s disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign, saying Vladimir Petkovic is not the only issue facing the Fennecs.

Benlamri, who was part of Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad in 2019 under Djamel Belmadi, believes Petkovic is no longer the right coach for the national team but insists the problems within Algerian football go much deeper than the position of the head coach.

The former international defender, who understands the country’s football system after playing in the Algerian league and for the national team, gave a strong assessment of the current situation during an appearance on the programme Massae El Mondial on Wassat TV.

Benlamri said he had already reached his conclusion regarding Petkovic’s position following Algeria’s World Cup performance.

“As far as the technical side is concerned, I washed my hands of this coach after the World Cup. But regarding the contractual situation, which is an administrative matter, we have no information because the federation hasn’t communicated anything on the subject. We only know that there was a meeting of the Federal Bureau which decided to appoint a commission to evaluate the coach. I believe there’s nothing to evaluate. Fifty million Algerians think this coach isn’t right for us,” he declared.

However, the former defender insisted that removing the coach alone would not solve the wider challenges affecting Algerian football.

Benlamri argued that the country’s football crisis involves deeper structural issues, including problems within the domestic league and what he described as confusion surrounding public discussions about the national team.

“The current problem isn’t just the coach. The problem is this misinformation. One might think that the main problem is Petkovic, but that’s by no means the real issue. The problem runs much deeper in Algeria. For example, what’s happening in our league is more serious. This coach will leave, whether through compensation or an amicable termination of his contract,” he said.

The former defender also called on Algerian Football Federation president Walid Sadi to take responsibility and lead efforts to improve the situation.

He said important decisions about the future of Algerian football should come from those in charge rather than through television debates.

“Not everyone can participate in debates of this importance. Today, we have two categories: there are people who like to hear the truth and others who hate it because facing reality requires taking responsibility. This implies working and investing oneself. Except that some people like temporary solutions. I’m not here to provide solutions to problems. That’s up to those in charge. It falls under the role of the Federation president because he was appointed to find solutions and guide Algerian football to a safe harbor. Solutions aren’t handed out on TV,” Benlamri added.

The former defender also criticised comments from journalist Hafid Derradji and questioned the role of some figures involved in discussions around Algerian football.

He accused some voices of changing their positions depending on results and contributing to divisions among supporters.

Benlamri also responded to comments from journalist Romain Molina, who has spoken publicly about Algerian football.

“Molina is not the right person to tell me the reality of our football or to offer solutions from another country. He is not someone who represents me,” Benlamri said.

The former Algeria international concluded by urging the authorities and FAF leadership to intervene and address what he described as problems affecting the sport.

“The president of the FAF, who is also the Minister of Sports, must intervene and put an end to the clownish behavior of some. The authorities must take action. I maintain that my problem is not Petkovic, but the hypocrisy that is poisoning the sport,” he concluded.

Benlamri’s comments add to the growing debate surrounding Algeria’s football direction, with calls increasing for changes both on and off the pitch.