Gustavo Poyet enters Algeria shortlist as FAF weighs next manager

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Gustavo Poyet over the vacant position of Algeria manager, with the former Bordeaux coach emerging as a surprise candidate.

The identity of the next coach of the Fennecs remains uncertain, but reports from Algerie Football Media and Onze Mondial say the federation’s leadership has opened discussions with the 58-year-old Uruguayan.

Poyet previously managed Greece and had a spell at Bordeaux shortly before Vladimir Petkovic, the former Algeria head coach. His possible appointment would therefore see another ex-Bordeaux manager considered for the Algeria job after Petkovic’s departure.

Poyet most recently worked in Saudi Arabia with Al-Khaleej, where he officially left his position on 27 May. Before that, he guided Jeonbuk Hyundai to the South Korean title last year.

The former midfielder also has a League One title on his managerial record, having led Brighton to promotion success in the third tier of English football 14 years ago.

According to the same reports, Poyet is strongly interested in taking charge of Algeria. He is also understood to have received approaches from Poland and South Africa, although negotiations with the FAF are said to have advanced significantly.

The federation is reportedly taking time before making a final decision on the appointment. Discussions are also believed to be progressing with Paulo Bento and Felix Sanchez.

Former Italy manager Walter Mazzarri and Igor Tudor are also said to remain possible options, although they are currently waiting in the background as the FAF considers its alternatives.

Poyet’s potential arrival would represent a notable change in direction for Algeria, with the federation weighing several experienced international coaches as it searches for the successor to Petkovic. No appointment has yet been confirmed.

The FAF’s deliberations come as the uncertainty surrounding the next Algeria manager continues to grow. While Poyet is now regarded as one of the leading names in the discussions, Bento and Sanchez remain involved in the process, with Mazzarri and Tudor also still in contention.

Algerie Football Media and Onze Mondial were the outlets to report the advanced talks between the federation and Poyet. The Uruguay international’s recent experience in South Korea and Saudi Arabia, together with his previous work in Europe and his past role with Greece, has placed him among the candidates being considered.

Any agreement would make Poyet the latest former Bordeaux coach to be linked with the Algeria position. Petkovic, who previously held the role, had also worked at the French club before taking charge of the Fennecs.