Algeria manager search enters fresh phase as FAF weighs two unnamed Spanish coaches

The Algeria Football Federation (FAF) is still searching for Vladimir Petkovic’s successor, with two unnamed Spanish coaches now reportedly in discussions to take charge of the Fennecs.

Petkovic’s departure was officially confirmed on 3 August. Three weeks later, the identity of Algeria’s next manager remains unclear, despite the federation having already considered several shortlists and a succession of high-profile candidates.

The National Technical College was initially tasked with drawing up a shortlist for the FAF to assess before a final decision was made. That process produced three finalists: Felix Sanchez, Rafael Benitez and Tom Saintfiet.

Sanchez and Benitez represented the Spanish coaching school, while Saintfiet was regarded as the unexpected option in the group.

That shortlist was subsequently replaced by another three-man selection. Former Portugal manager Paulo Bento, who guided his country to the semi-finals of Euro 2012, was included alongside Walter Mazzarri and a third candidate whose identity has not been disclosed.

Sanchez’s position appeared to weaken after he was initially suspected of negotiating with South Korea. The federation was also said to have received negative feedback about his management of the squad and his communication with players.

However, there has been no confirmation that the former La Masia coach’s candidacy has been definitively ruled out. The same applies to Saintfiet, despite reports at one stage that an agreement had been reached, and to Bento, whose agent said he had not agreed to take the job.

The uncertainty has been heightened by a series of other names entering the discussion. Igor Tudor, Stefano Pioli and Gustavo Poyet have all been linked with the position, although some of the reports surrounding them have been contradictory.

Poyet is reported to have rejected an offer worth €103,000 per month. The same situation reportedly applied to his coaching staff, while talks appear to be continuing.

Despite the number of candidates mentioned, the next Algeria manager remains impossible to predict. Several sources say the FAF is now in talks with two Spanish coaches whose names have not emerged publicly. Both are reportedly prepared to leave their current positions.

While the search continues, Anthar Yahia is understood to have been asked to prepare an expanded squad list for Algeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Zambia and Burundi.

With the international return less than a month away, the federation has yet to settle on the man who will lead the Fennecs. The process has moved from an initial shortlist to a broader field of established names, but no candidate has yet emerged as a confirmed choice.