Islam Slimani criticises ‘disrespectful’ end to Algeria career under Vladimir Petkovic

Islam Slimani says his international career with Algeria ended on a bitter note because of the way Vladimir Petkovic handled his omission from the squad.

The 38-year-old forward, who is still looking for one final club challenge after leaving Cluj, remains Algeria’s all-time leading scorer with 46 goals in 105 appearances. Speaking to L’Equipe, he said he accepted the sporting decision not to select him, but felt the manner in which it was managed was unacceptable.

Petkovic did not call up Slimani after taking charge of Algeria in February 2024. Slimani insisted that the decision itself was not an issue when reminded that the Bosnian coach had stopped selecting him.

“No, those are choices, that is not a problem. Every coach…” he said.

However, when journalist Nabil Djellit asked whether Petkovic had dealt with the situation respectfully, Slimani gave a much colder response.

“Respectful? I would not say that.”

Slimani was particularly unhappy that Petkovic never travelled to meet him, despite his status as the most prolific goalscorer in the history of the national team.

He also disclosed that the pair had spoken by telephone, although he did not explain exactly what Petkovic had said.

“We had a telephone conversation. He said things that did not happen. That is how it is,” Slimani said.

His comments suggest he had expected a different outcome after that exchange, but he insisted he did not regard the episode as a personal grievance.

“It is football, I do not take it personally. It is a world of ingrates. It did not affect me. Obviously, there are ways of doing things.”

Slimani’s assessment of Petkovic’s time in charge remains negative two years later. After Algeria were eliminated by Switzerland in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, the Federation Algerienne de Football changed the coaching structure and appointed Brahim Hemdani, assisted by Anthar Yahia.

Slimani welcomed the decision, having previously criticised Petkovic’s tactics during the World Cup.

“I think the federation got a grip by changing the technical staff. It is a very important change for us,” he said.

The former Monaco player urged Algeria to support the new partnership despite their lack of experience. He said both men understood Algeria, the national team and African football.

Slimani’s own time with the Fennecs appears almost over. Asked whether he hoped to receive a final international call-up or a tribute, he replied: “If it was going to happen, it should already have happened.”

That leaves a sour ending for a player who, with 46 goals, remains the leading scorer in the history of the Algeria national team.