Algeria turn to mystery candidates after late U-turns in coach hunt

The Algeria Football Federation (FAF) has restarted its search for Vladimir Petkovic’s successor after abandoning negotiations with Paulo Bento and Felix Sanchez, despite both coaches appearing to be leading candidates in recent days.

The process has developed into an increasingly complicated search, with the FAF now understood to be negotiating with two coaches who are currently under contract elsewhere. Their identities have not yet been revealed, although both are reportedly willing to leave their present positions to take charge of Algeria.

Sanchez’s exit from the running represents the most notable twist. An agreement with the former Qatar and Ecuador manager had appeared to be close, with only the final formalities and signature thought to remain.

However, the FAF is said to have changed its position after receiving several negative reports about Sanchez’s man-management, communication and relationship with players. The information was reported by journalist Chaib Kahoul on DZ News TV.

Questions had already emerged in recent days over the Spaniard’s suitability, even though he had long been viewed as one of the leading contenders for the role. Many Algeria supporters had also begun to associate him with the national team before his proposed appointment was called off.

His candidacy is now considered to be closed.

Bento is also no longer expected to become the next Algeria manager, according to journalist Lamine Benchbir. The Portuguese coach had reportedly agreed terms with the FAF and appeared to have moved ahead of the other candidates in the race.

His international record had strengthened his position. Bento led Portugal to the semi-finals of Euro 2012 and took South Korea to the last 16 at the 2022 World Cup.

Despite that experience, negotiations will not now result in his appointment.

The latest developments leave the FAF considering two alternative profiles, with both potential candidates contracted to other clubs or national teams. The federation is believed to have wanted to make a quick decision, but its search has instead entered another period of uncertainty.

A separate report linking former Brighton manager Gustavo Poyet with the position has also been dismissed. Poyet is not in talks with the FAF, despite rumours that surfaced recently.

The number of coaches associated with the vacancy has grown steadily. Rafael Benitez, Tom Saintfiet, Walter Mazzarri, Stefano Pioli and Igor Tudor have all been mentioned, alongside Bento and Sanchez.

For now, however, none of those names is set to take over. With two undisclosed candidates reportedly in negotiations, Algeria’s next manager remains unknown and the federation’s prolonged search has been reopened once again.