The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) is currently evaluating a shortlist of approximately 10 candidates to become the new head coach of the Algerian national team, succeeding Swiss manager Vladimir Petković.
A Deliberate Selection Process
According to sources quoted by the “WinWin” website, the National Technical Committee is carefully studying a large number of resumes. The federation is taking a patient approach to ensure the right choice is made for the “Desert Foxes” before making any official announcements.
The revealed list of candidates includes several high-profile names:
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Félix Sánchez (Spain)
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Rafael Benítez (Spain)
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Tom Saintfiet (Belgium) – highly regarded for his extensive experience in African football.
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Paulo Bento (Portugal)
The report also noted the presence of other candidates whose names have not been heavily circulated in the media, including another Portuguese manager and an Italian coach. There remains a strong possibility that the final choice could be a surprise name from outside the current pool of rumored candidates.
A Shift in Coaching Strategy
Initially, FAF officials leaned toward hiring a manager from the Spanish tactical school. However, they have since shifted their focus, prioritizing a head coach with solid experience in African football, a deep understanding of the Algerian game, and the ability to build consensus among fans and players.
One of the main obstacles facing the Algerian Federation is that several candidates are currently tied to active contracts with other clubs or national teams. This could impose additional financial burdens and complicate the process of reaching a swift agreement.
The End of the Petković Era
The search for a new manager follows the termination of Petković’s contract by mutual consent in early August. His departure came on the heels of a technically disappointing campaign at the 2026 World Cup. Despite successfully navigating the group stage, Algeria was eliminated in the Round of 32.
The Swiss coach had taken charge of the “Greens” in February 2024, replacing Djamel Belmadi. During his tenure, he successfully led the national team to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since the 2014 edition, and guided them to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Upcoming AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
The Algerian Federation is racing against time to finalize the appointment before the 2027 AFCON qualifiers begin in late September. The Desert Foxes are scheduled to host Zambia in their opening fixture, before traveling to face Burundi in the second round.
