Vladimir Petkovic, recently appointed as Algeria’s head coach, finds himself under significant pressure after a disappointing start, culminating in a home defeat against Guinea during the third day of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Petkovic, who succeeded Djamel Belmadi, is already facing intense scrutiny due to the team’s underwhelming performances.
The alarm bells started ringing for Petkovic during unconvincing friendly matches against Bolivia and South Africa in March.
However, it was the 2-1 loss to Guinea that truly exacerbated concerns about his tenure.
Critics have been vocal about his tactical decisions and selection choices, particularly the exclusion of key players such as Riyad Mahrez, Fares Chaibi, and Islam Slimani.
Mahrez’s absence was particularly perplexing for many. As a world-class player, his presence on the field is seen as pivotal for Algeria’s success.
Similarly, Slimani’s experience and goal-scoring prowess, alongside Chaibi’s emerging talent, were sorely missed in the match against Guinea.
The decisions to leave these players out have raised questions about Petkovic’s strategy and judgment.
The discontent among fans was palpable, with whistles and chants in favor of former coach Djamel Belmadi echoing through the stadium.
Belmadi, who led Algeria to victory in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, left behind big shoes to fill, and the nostalgia for his leadership is evident among the supporters.
Petkovic’s challenges are further compounded by the high expectations of Algerian fans.
The legacy of Belmadi’s success casts a long shadow, and without immediate positive results, the pressure on Petkovic is set to intensify.
The new coach must quickly develop a winning strategy and make astute player selections to restore confidence and quell the growing nostalgia for Belmadi’s era.
The upcoming match against Uganda in Kampala will be crucial for Petkovic.
Scheduled for June 10 at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, this fixture presents an opportunity for Algeria to regain its footing in the qualifiers.
However, with the team currently facing internal and external challenges, the path to redemption appears steep.
As Petkovic navigates these turbulent early days, the question remains: Will Algeria regret the departure of Djamel Belmadi? While it’s too early to make definitive judgments, the initial signs suggest that Petkovic must act swiftly and decisively to turn the tide and meet the high expectations placed upon him.
Eliminatoires Coupe du Monde 2026 🏆⚽🔥 #Algérie 🇩🇿 1️⃣- 2️⃣ #Guinée 🇬🇳 : Les joueurs algériens sifflés par leur public pic.twitter.com/jZ34E3kngD
— AFRICAFOOTUNITED.com (@africafootutd) June 6, 2024
