FAF seeks project fit as Felix Sanchez Bas emerges in Algeria manager search

Algeria have reportedly contacted officials in Qatar for the details of former Qatar manager Felix Sanchez Bas as they begin the search for Vladimir Petkovic’s successor.

The move appears to reflect a cautious approach from the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), which is understood to be prioritising a coach who can understand the specific demands of the national team and commit fully to its rebuilding project, rather than simply appointing a high-profile name.

Qatari journalist Abdel Nasser Al Bar reported that the FAF had recently approached contacts in Qatar about Sanchez Bas. However, the inquiry is believed to have gone no further than an initial attempt to obtain information. There has been no announcement of an agreement or advanced negotiations between the two parties.

Sanchez Bas has extensive experience of long-term player development. After working at the Aspire Academy, the Spanish coach managed Qatar’s various youth teams before taking charge of the senior side.

He led Qatar to their first AFC Asian Cup title in 2019 and was also in the dugout when the country hosted the 2022 Fifa World Cup. Sanchez Bas later became head coach of Ecuador, a role he held from 2023 to 2024.

He has been without a club or international team since leaving Al-Sadd in Qatar in 2025.

French-Algerian journalist Nabil Djellit has urged caution over the more prominent names linked with the vacancy. He said the FAF was not necessarily looking for a coach with the biggest reputation.

“Algeria is not looking for a big name for its national team,” he said.

Djellit believes the federation’s priority is to appoint a manager whose methods match the characteristics of the current squad, who is available to work closely with the team on a daily basis and who is genuinely committed to the reconstruction process.

Former Algeria captain Anthar Yahia could also become part of the new coaching staff as an assistant. His understanding of the national team and his attachment to the Algeria shirt could help establish a connection between the incoming manager and the players.

The FAF’s federal bureau has formally approved Vladimir Petkovic’s departure by mutual agreement. It has tasked the National Technical College with identifying the type of coach required for the next stage of the team’s development.

A meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 6 August, at Sidi Moussa. National technical director Ali Moucer is expected to be among those present, with the group’s recommendations set to guide the federation president before formal discussions with candidates begin.

Several other names have been associated with the position. Herve Renard has opted to return to Cote d’Ivoire, while Eric Chelle is considered difficult to prise away from Nigeria. Rafael Benitez and Jose Peseiro have also been mentioned, whereas Roberto Martinez is thought to be financially beyond the federation’s reach.

The possible interest in Sanchez Bas therefore appears to fit the FAF’s emerging strategy: less emphasis on prestige and more on finding a methodical, structured coach whose approach is compatible with Algeria’s project.