Petkovic set to overhaul backroom team to continue as Algeria coach

Vladimir Petkovic is prepared to accept strict conditions from the Federation algerienne de football (FAF), including a major reshuffle of his backroom staff and extended periods based in the country, in order to remain in charge of the Algeria national team.

The 62-year-old coach, whose contract was extended just before the 2026 World Cup with a pay rise, is tied to the national side until 2028 on what is described as a lucrative deal. He is not considering resigning or negotiating a mutual termination, which would cost him several million euros in compensation.

According to information reported by journalist Mohammed Nedjari, the Swiss-Bosnian coach has now agreed in principle to the conditions set out by the FAF to allow him to see out his contract.

New assistants lined up

As part of those conditions, Petkovic is expected to accept a significant restructuring of his technical staff. Former Algeria internationals Anthar Yahia and Karim Matmour are tipped to join him as assistant coaches.

The appointment of Yahia and Matmour would represent a clear move by the federation towards integrating ex-national team players more closely into the current set-up, while also giving Petkovic a backroom team with strong local knowledge.

Yahia, a former defender, and Matmour, who played in midfield and attack, both represented Algeria at international level and were part of previous national team campaigns. Their prospective arrival would mark a notable shift in the composition of Petkovic’s staff.

Futures of Morandi and Neghiz in doubt

The shake-up raises serious questions about the future of current assistants Davide Morandi and Nabil Neghiz, who are widely expected to be the main casualties of the changes.

No official decision has yet been made public regarding their positions. However, Morandi is reported to be under particular pressure due to alleged breaches of his contractual obligations.

Rumours suggest he could be dismissed without any severance pay, though neither the FAF nor Petkovic has commented publicly on those claims. The situation of Neghiz is also unclear, with no firm indications as to whether he will be retained in another capacity or leave the set-up altogether.

Extended presence in Algeria

Another key demand from the FAF concerns Petkovic’s physical presence in the country. The coach is expected to commit to spending three weeks of every month in Algeria.

The federation sees this requirement as a way of ensuring he is more immersed in the domestic game, allowing him to follow local competitions more closely, monitor home-based players and maintain regular contact with club coaches and officials.

For Petkovic, agreeing to this condition represents a significant adjustment to his working habits but is seen as a necessary compromise if he is to remain in charge under the current contract.

While none of these measures has yet been formally announced by the FAF, the developments outlined by Nedjari indicate a clear willingness on both sides to continue the relationship, provided Petkovic works within a more tightly controlled framework and a staff structure increasingly shaped by the Algerian federation.