Christian Gourcuff Signals Tactical Shift as Algeria Prepare for AFCON Qualifiers
New Algeria coach Christian Gourcuff has confirmed he will implement a fresh tactical approach ahead of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Ethiopia and Mali, signalling a clear departure from the methods of his predecessor, Vahid Halilhodzic.
Speaking at a press conference, Gourcuff made it clear that the familiar 4-2-3-1 formation used under Halilhodzic will not be his blueprint. “I’m not going to be in the same tactical continuity as Vahid, but I’m flexible. There’s no total break, but there is a break nonetheless,” the former Lorient manager explained.
Gourcuff also revealed that Mehdi Mostefa, who previously featured on the right wing, will not be part of his plans and was omitted from the squad selection.
The Fennecs’ new coach will face his first major challenge next Saturday when Algeria take on Ethiopia in their opening qualifier. His tactical adjustments and squad selections will be closely watched as Algeria look to assert themselves early in the campaign.
