The Conflict Between Djamel Belmadi and Algeria Intensifies

Djamel Belmadi, Algerian coach, is currently facing strong criticism within his country.

Growing reviews for Djamel Belmadi

Since taking the reins of the Algerian national team in the summer of 2018, Djamel Belmadi has faced growing criticism that may well call into question his longevity in this prestigious position. The former OM and PSG player has managed to irritate both the government and ardent Greens supporters, and that in large part due to his surprising behavior at his recent international rally in September.

Unpleasant Decisions

Algeria is preparing to play two crucial matches, one against Tanzania in the CAN qualifiers (September 7 in Annaba) and the other against Senegal (September 12 in Dakar). However, Belmadi only landed in Algiers last Friday, taking everyone by surprise when he decided to move the training venue at the last minute.

Rather than follow the usual routine preparing for Sidi Moussa, the Algerian technician opted for an unexpected solution by taking his team to Tunisia. The reason ? The lamentable state of the lawn at the Algerian training center, which has suffered from the rigors of the summer without maintenance since the matches in June.

Criticized Working Conditions

The 2019 African champion certainly had reason to complain about the working conditions. However, was it necessary to leave Algeria for a neighboring country, thus ignoring all the local alternatives available? This decision angered the authorities, who finally forced him to find an alternative on national soil. It is important to note that adequate facilities were available in Algeria, Annaba, Oran, Constantine and Blida, and all were in good working order.

Since the unexpected elimination in qualifying for the last World Cup, Djamel Belmadi is no longer so popular in Algeria. This recent controversy risks further isolating him, even if the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) also bears some responsibility. Since the departure of former President Djahid Zefizef, the FAF has been devoid of leadership.

The Thorny Question of Presence

It is not only the government that is beginning to be seriously annoyed by Djamel Belmadi, a native of Champigny-sur-Marne. Fans and observers are also tired of his modus operandi. The main criticism against him is his absence in Algeria outside match periods. As a manager, he is expected to be present regularly, but he continues to reside in Qatar. The journalist Nejmeddine Sidi Athmane even wonders openly: “Is he under contract with the FAF or is he simply a freelancer? in a column published this Saturday.