Algeria hold talks with Paulo Bento over vacant head coach position

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has reportedly opened discussions with Paulo Bento as it continues its search for a new manager following the departure of Vladimir Petkovic.

The FAF had been exploring a number of options after Petkovic’s exit was officially confirmed. Felix Sanchez had emerged as a possible candidate, with his experience in coaching and player development, his background in the Spanish football system and his financial accessibility all understood to have worked in his favour.

However, Sanchez’s position appears to have become uncertain. According to Algerian sources, the Barcelona-born coach is negotiating with the South Korea national team after previously slowing down discussions with the FAF by citing family issues.

The development has prompted the Algerian federation to consider alternatives, with Paulo Bento now reported to be among the leading possibilities. Algerian newspaper El Hayat reported on Monday that the FAF had held talks with a Portuguese coach, although his identity was not disclosed at the time.

That coach is understood to be Bento, who has previously managed Portugal as well as the national teams of South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.

Journalist Mohamed Djamel reported that the FAF had contacted the 57-year-old to take charge of the Algeria national team, known as the Greens. Bento has been without a club or national-team role since March 2025.

His most notable achievement came with Portugal, whom he guided to the semi-finals of Euro 2012. That side included Cristiano Ronaldo, although Portugal were unable to reach the final.

Bento later returned to international management with South Korea. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he led the team to the last 16, where their campaign ended in the knockout stage.

No agreement has yet been finalised between Bento and the FAF, and the federation’s search for Petkovic’s successor remains ongoing. The reported discussions with the Portuguese coach represent the latest development in a process that has already included talks with Sanchez.

For now, the identity of Algeria’s next manager remains undecided. The FAF is continuing to assess its options, with Bento emerging as a potential replacement after the uncertainty surrounding Sanchez’s position.