Christian Gourcuff’s reflections during his talk at the Taleb Abderrahmane university campus in Ben Aknoun provided an insightful analysis of the Algerian national team, particularly regarding key players like Yacine Brahimi and Sofiane Feghouli.
Brahimi’s Role: Gourcuff highlighted Brahimi’s struggles during the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and his Champions League performances for FC Porto. The coach pinpointed that Brahimi, when deployed on the wing, often loses creativity because he expends too much energy tracking back, which hinders his attacking game. In contrast, when Brahimi plays in a more central role, particularly behind the striker, he has more energy and can be more effective in attack. This insight could be vital for Algeria’s tactics moving forward, especially in tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.
Defensive Lapses: Gourcuff also addressed the defensive shortcomings that have plagued Algeria, specifically citing a goal conceded against Ghana in the AFCON final. He mentioned that the defenders were slow to react to a last-minute goal, partly due to the gaps between players and their failure to track back quickly enough. This suggests a need for better defensive organization and awareness, which could help Algeria tighten up their defense in future competitions.
Gourcuff’s comments reflect his analytical approach to improving the Fennecs’ performances, particularly in terms of player positioning and team dynamics. His experience at Lorient and with Algeria gives him a clear understanding of the team’s strengths and weaknesses, which he continues to refine.
These observations could also serve as a basis for tactical adjustments for the Algerian national team, especially as they prepare for upcoming international fixtures.
