Algerian national team coach Christian Gourcuff has delivered a clear and motivating message to local players during a training session at the Sidi Moussa Technical Centre, ahead of Algeria’s upcoming 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Malawi.
The Frenchman emphasized his commitment to rewarding performance and form, particularly among Algeria-based players:
“I’ll give the best local players a chance. I won’t hesitate to give any player who’s in top form and shows some good things with the national senior team,” Gourcuff stated.
He used the opportunity to encourage professionalism and dedication:
“You just have to work. To progress, there’s nothing better than hard work. To be in the national team, you have to be at a good level, and I won’t hold any of you back.”
Gourcuff’s approach is in line with that of his predecessor, Vahid Halilhodzic, who notably gave early opportunities to players like Essaïd Belkalem and Islam Slimani—the latter having made the jump to the national team shortly after moving to CR Belouizdad from JSM Chéraga.
This strategy aims to broaden the talent pool and motivate domestic league players, making clear that consistent performance at the club level can lead to international recognition.
