BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- During a press conference held at the CTN in Sidi Moussa on Sunday, national football team coach Djamel Belmadi addressed several questions regarding the team’s upcoming matches. Belmadi’s responses shed light on the team’s current situation and his plans for the future.
Regarding Mbolhi, Belmadi acknowledged the goalkeeper’s decade-long contribution to the team and emphasized the difficulty of replacing him. However, he also stated that the team will continue to experiment with other goalkeepers and eventually establish a hierarchy. Belmadi expressed his appreciation for Mbolhi’s dedication, but ultimately, the decision to play him or not will depend on his performance.
Belmadi also addressed Bennacer’s injury, expressing his desire to have the midfielder back for the next AFCON. However, he acknowledged that the team must prepare for the possibility of his absence and work on filling his position. Belmadi refrained from speculating on the nature of Bennacer’s injury, but noted that it is a rare and complex one for someone his age.
Belmadi addressed the case of Belaïli, who was not included in the list of players called up for the upcoming matches. Belmadi clarified that Belaïli is currently outside the club and out of competition, and that his absence from the list was a straightforward decision. Belmadi also emphasized that Belaïli’s selection in 2018 was based on his performance and not on any external factors.
Algerian football coach Djamel Belmadi also expressed his respect for players who have worked their way up from the national championship and praised Bensebaïni’s mentality, despite acknowledging his occasional outbursts of anger. Belmadi also discussed the non-summons of Ryan Aït Nouri, explaining that the player was injured and had only played 45 minutes in three months.
Belmadi took the opportunity to congratulate Mahrez and praise winger Saïd Benrahma for his performance in the Europa League Conference final with West Ham. He also congratulated USMA for their victory in the CAF Cup.
When asked about the new qualification formula for the 2026 World Cup, Belmadi expressed his approval, stating that it rewards the most deserving teams. He explained that the new format involves a mini championship of 10 games, with no elimination in the event of a misstep during a match. Qualifications will begin in November, and Belmadi hopes that his team will be ready for their next two games.
Overall, Belmadi’s comments were insightful and informative, providing valuable insights into the world of Algerian football.
