Major shake-up: New technical staff names emerge around Algeria coach Vladimir Petković

Federation reportedly considers changes to technical team as assessment of national side nears completion

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) is reportedly considering changes to the national team’s technical staff as uncertainty continues over the future of head coach Vladimir Petković.

Reports suggest the federation is looking at strengthening the coaching team by adding new members, with discussions taking place ahead of an expected review of the national team’s situation.

According to information circulating in Dely Brahim, the Federal Bureau is expected to receive feedback next Thursday from the technical college following its assessment of the national side.

That report is expected to play a key role in determining the federation’s next steps.

Based on the conclusions presented by the technical body, the FAF is then expected to decide on the direction it wishes to take.

The prospect of changes follows the federation’s latest meeting in Sidi Moussa, after which a communiqué indicated that decisions would be made once the assessment process had been completed.

New staff members reportedly under consideration

For more than a week, reports have suggested that the federation is exploring the possibility of reinforcing Petković’s technical staff with Algerian expertise.

Among the names most frequently linked with the proposed changes is former Algeria international Anthar Yahia.

More recently, another candidate has emerged. Physical trainer Medjahed Belaïd has reportedly been identified as a possible addition to the national team’s backroom staff.

The 37-year-old has been working with USM Alger since February 2025 and is believed to have played an important role in the club’s performances towards the end of the season, particularly during its CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

Originally from Batna, Belaïd received his training in Russia and has built a reputation through spells with several Algerian clubs over the past decade.

His coaching career has included time with CR Belouizdad, JS Kabylie, CS Constantine and ES Sétif before joining USM Alger.

Several roles could be affected

The reported restructuring may not be limited to one position.

According to the latest information, other roles within the technical staff could also be reviewed, including responsibility for the goalkeeping department.

No names have yet emerged regarding any possible goalkeeping coach, but reports suggest several current members of Petković’s backroom team could be affected if the changes go ahead.

Assistant coaches Davide Morandi, Paolo Rongoni and Guido Nanni are all reported to be among those whose positions may come under review.

The reported objective behind the proposed restructuring is to introduce new expertise into the coaching setup.

At the same time, reports indicate that the federation believes the changes could increase pressure on Petković, potentially encouraging him to step down rather than forcing the FAF to terminate his contract and pay compensation equivalent to 24 months.

The federation is expected to await the technical college’s assessment before deciding whether any of the reported changes will be implemented.