Moussa Saib set to take key Algeria role as search for new coach continues

Algeria’s football federation is understood to have reached an agreement with former captain Moussa Saib to become the national team’s new manager, as the search for Vladimir Petkovic’s successor continues.

According to El Khabar, federation president Walid Sadi has secured Saib’s approval to join the next Algeria set-up. The former midfielder is expected to take up his position after completing his holiday.

Saib’s arrival was initially expected to be concluded sooner, but his planned trip to Algeria was delayed for personal reasons. Once in post, he is expected to act as a link between the players, the technical staff and the Federation Algerienne de Football (FAF).

The appointment would give Saib an important role as Algeria begins a new cycle following a disappointing 2026 World Cup and Petkovic’s departure. The FAF is understood to want several strategic positions to be filled by former internationals who know the national team environment from close experience.

Saib fits that profile. He was part of the Algeria side that won the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations and made 74 appearances for his country, scoring seven goals.

During a club career that included JS Kabylie, AJ Auxerre, Valencia, Tottenham Hotspur, AS Monaco and FC Lorient, Saib built a reputation as one of Algeria’s most experienced former internationals. His playing career at the highest level would give him a strong understanding of the demands placed on the national team’s players and coaching staff.

He has also worked as a manager. Saib previously coached JS Kabylie and guided the club to the Algerian league title in 2008. That remains the most recent league championship won by the Canaris.

His international background, together with his knowledge of Algerian football, could make him a useful intermediary between the federation and the manager eventually chosen to lead the team.

That appointment has yet to be made. The FAF is still considering a number of candidates, with Spaniard Felix Sanchez, Portuguese coach Paulo Bento and several other profiles reportedly under review.

Algeria’s next head coach will therefore inherit a national team entering a period of change, while Saib appears set to become the figure responsible for helping connect the new coaching staff with the squad and the federation.

The former captain’s expected appointment means the FAF may have settled one important part of its new structure before confirming the identity of the man who will occupy the dugout. With the coaching search ongoing, Saib’s return would give the federation an experienced international presence behind the scenes as it prepares for the next stage of the national team’s development.