Karim Belhocine sets clear goals for JS Kabylie’s Tunisia camp

JS Kabylie are preparing to continue their pre-season programme with a second training camp in Ain Draham, Tunisia, where head coach Karim Belhocine hopes to sharpen his team’s tactical identity, strengthen internal competition and establish the foundations for the new campaign.

The Kabylie delegation is set to travel to the Tunisian town for a training camp expected to last around ten days.

After expressing satisfaction with the work completed during the first stage of preparation in Tizi Ouzou, Belhocine now wants his players to take another step forward before the start of the competitive season.

The Franco-Algerian coach believes the upcoming camp will play a decisive role in shaping his squad, with technical sessions, tactical exercises and friendly matches forming the core of the programme.

Focus shifts from fitness to tactical development

The opening phase of JS Kabylie’s preparations centred primarily on physical conditioning as players worked to regain their fitness following the off-season.

With that stage now complete, attention will turn towards improving the team’s collective play.

Belhocine and his coaching staff plan to devote significant time to tactical drills designed to help players better understand their roles within the team.

Technical exercises will also feature prominently as the squad works to improve movement, positioning and coordination across the pitch.

Friendly matches scheduled during the camp are expected to provide valuable opportunities to put those ideas into practice.

During the first camp in Tizi Ouzou, players mainly competed in internal training games.

In Tunisia, however, they will test themselves against external opposition, giving the coaching staff a clearer picture of the team’s overall progress.

Building cohesion across the squad

One of Belhocine’s primary objectives is to strengthen understanding between his players.

The coach wants the team to develop greater cohesion before the league campaign begins, ensuring that combinations become more natural and movement across the field becomes increasingly coordinated.

Creating a solid collective identity remains one of the priorities for the coaching staff.

Belhocine also expects further additions to the squad, believing new reinforcements could make the team stronger ahead of the season.

The aim is to leave the training camp with a more balanced group capable of implementing the tactical ideas developed during pre-season.

Competition for places intensifies

The Tunisia camp will also be used to increase competition within the squad.

Belhocine intends to give every player opportunities during the scheduled friendly matches, allowing each member of the squad to demonstrate their qualities before official competition begins.

Places in the starting team are expected to be fiercely contested.

The coach has already informed his players that selection will depend on performances in training and during pre-season matches.

At the same time, he has reassured the squad that every decision will be based on merit, insisting that the players who perform best will earn their opportunities.

That message has encouraged players to approach every session with maximum intensity as they seek to impress the coaching staff.

Selecting the strongest starting XI

Another important objective for Belhocine is identifying the team that will begin the new league season.

The coach will carefully assess every player’s performances throughout the training camp while monitoring how individuals respond in competitive situations during friendly matches.

He also wants JS Kabylie to face strong opponents, believing that testing the team against quality opposition will provide the clearest indication of its current level.

Those matches should help the coaching staff identify any remaining weaknesses before competitive football begins.

At the same time, they will assist Belhocine in determining which players are best suited to start the opening fixtures of the campaign.

Even so, the coach does not intend to establish fixed starters and permanent substitutes.

Instead, he plans to rely on the depth of his squad throughout what is expected to be a demanding and lengthy season.

With technical work, tactical refinement, competitive friendlies and individual assessments all on the agenda, the Ain Draham camp represents an important stage in JS Kabylie’s preparations as Belhocine looks to ensure his team enters the new season ready to compete.