Felix Sanchez still in frame for Algeria job despite concerns over management style

Felix Sanchez remains a candidate to replace Vladimir Petkovic as Algeria manager, but doubts about his leadership style and limited experience at the highest level have emerged in recent days.

The Spanish coach had appeared to be the leading contender to take charge of the national team, with discussions between Sanchez and the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) understood to have progressed significantly. However, the enthusiasm surrounding his potential appointment has been tempered by accounts from several Algerian players who worked with him in Qatar or encountered him during his coaching career.

According to comments reported by La Gazette du Fennec, those players offered a mixed assessment of the former Qatar manager.

Sanchez is widely respected for his ability to develop footballers, particularly younger players. His management of established individuals and his record in senior international football, however, have prompted greater debate.

“He is unquestionably a good coach for developing players, but his record as a national team manager is far less convincing,” was the summary of some of the testimonies cited by the publication.

The reports also referred to Sanchez’s reputation for being a rigid character and to the way he handles individual players. That aspect is likely to be examined closely by the FAF, given the demands of the Algeria job.

The national team operates under intense public and media scrutiny, while the squad contains a number of strong personalities. The next manager will therefore need to balance authority with the ability to manage a dressing room where expectations are high and pressure can quickly increase.

The reservations do not mean Sanchez’s candidacy has been rejected. His appointment had appeared to be moving in a positive direction as recently as the latest discussions, and his profile continues to be considered by the federation.

There are also clear tactical reasons why the Spaniard could appeal to Algeria.

During his time with Qatar, Sanchez regularly used a back three, switching between 3-5-2 and 3-4-3 formations. His teams also relied on quick transitions, a style that could suit the current strengths of the Algeria squad.

Vladimir Petkovic experimented with a similar system on occasions but never established it as a permanent approach. With Aissa Mandi having retired from international football and the defensive pecking order expected to change, Sanchez’s arrival could bring a significant tactical shift.

His approach may also benefit Algeria’s attacking players with pace. Mohamed Amoura, Anis Hadj Moussa and Bachir Belloumi are among those who could be suited to a system built around rapid movement and transitions.

The central question for the FAF is whether Sanchez’s tactical ideas can outweigh the concerns surrounding his management style and experience at the highest level.

The federation had hoped to move quickly in finding Petkovic’s successor, but it must now weigh those competing factors before making a final decision. Sanchez remains firmly in contention, although his appointment appears less straightforward than it did only a few days ago.

Louis Mukoma Fargues