BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The Algerian national team has appointed its 40th head coach since independence, spanning from Kader Firoud in 1962 to the present day.
Amidst speculation over potential candidates such as Zidane, Renard, Queiroz, Peseiro, and Halilhodzic, following the announcement of the departure of former coach Belmadi by Algerian Football Federation (FAF) President Walid Sadi, the choice (by default) fell upon Bosnian technician Vladimir Petkovic, making him the 40th head coach of the Greens. “Petkovic is the best fit for the national team. After a shortlist of three coaches, established by an ad hoc commission, which also included the two Portuguese Carlos Queiroz, the latter apologizing, and José Peseiro, we opted for Petkovic based on several criteria, including his experience with the Swiss national team,” stated FAF President Sadi to the Algerian Press Service (APS) yesterday.
Vladimir Petkovic will thus replace Djamel Belmadi after six years at the helm of the Algerian national team. The new coach is expected to arrive in Algiers tomorrow and will hold a press conference the following day at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki. The technician must immediately get to work as the next FIFA date is in two weeks (March 18-26), where he will lead the team during the FIFA Series tournament organized in Algeria with the participation of three other nations from different confederations (Bolivia – Conmebol, South Africa – CAF, and Andorra – UEFA).
Who is Vladimir Petkovic?
Born in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, on August 15, 1963, Petkovic holds Bosnian, Croatian, and Swiss nationalities. He is fluent in five languages: Croatian, Italian, English, German, and Russian. He began his coaching career in 1997 in Switzerland and has managed several Swiss clubs, including FC Lugano, Young Boys, and FC Sion. Petkovic then moved to Italy’s Serie A, where he coached Lazio during the 2012-2013 season. He returned to Switzerland to lead the Swiss national team for 7 years (2014-2021). His last stint was less successful with Girondins de Bordeaux (2021-2022). Petkovic won a title during his coaching career when he clinched the Coppa Italia with Lazio during the 2012-2013 season. He also guided the Swiss national team to the round of 16 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the round of 16 and quarter-finals at the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and 2020, respectively. Additionally, he secured fourth place in the UEFA Nations League during the 2018-2019 season. Petkovic, who led the Swiss national team to remarkable results between 2014 and 2021, faces the daunting task of replicating this success with the Greens.
A Significant Task Awaits
Petkovic faces a significant task at all levels to restore the team’s former glory, lost over the past two years since their continental triumph in 2019. The new head of the Greens will have several urgent challenges to address. Firstly, he must lift the players out of their difficult psychological state following a series of underwhelming performances. This will be his top priority when he meets the players in two weeks for the FIFA Series tournament. The new coach must also inject fresh blood into the team, focusing on youth development to prepare for future competitions. In this regard, he should have no trouble, as several young players are eager to join the national team. In addition to the current players, such as Farès Chaïbi, Mohamed Amine Amoura, Rayan Aït Nouri, Amine Gouiri, Houssam Aouar, and Hicham Boudaoui, others like Rayan Cherki, Yacine Adli, and Rafik Guitane are also eligible for selection. The most significant challenge lies in maintaining Algeria’s current status in Africa, even if recent results have not lived up to expectations. Petkovic will have to maintain the team’s good form in the World Cup qualifiers. Additionally, he will attempt to ease tensions with the press. The Swiss coach will begin his mission in a few days with the FIFA Series tournament, facing Bolivia and South Africa before the official matches in June against Guinea and Uganda in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The “Doctor” in Numbers
While he may not be a coach who collects trophies, Petkovic has made his mark wherever he has been. Throughout his coaching career, Petkovic has managed 514 matches with various clubs and the Swiss national team.
Algeria is the second national team that the Bosnian will lead. He had an extensive tenure with Young Boys of Bern, considered the club he coached the most with 131 matches in various competitions. He also spent a long time with the Swiss national team
Dzair Tube Media Group
Dzair Tube has firmly established itself as a prominent player among Algerian digital news sites, offering a diverse and enriching content experience. The platform, available in Arabic, French, and English editions, captures the attention of a wide-ranging audience, amassing over half a million daily clicks.
A testament to its commitment to excellence, Dzair Tube received the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This recognition underscores the platform’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism.
With a significant online presence, Dzair Tube boasts 350,000 subscribers on YouTube, over five million followers on various Facebook pages, and 450,000 subscribers on Instagram. Its digital channel has become a hub for diverse programming, covering news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a broad spectrum of audience preferences.
Equipped with state-of-the-art studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has garnered substantial viewership for its varied programs. Hosting interactive discussions with influential figures across different domains, the platform actively fosters public discourse and engagement. Beyond news coverage, Dzair Tube extends its commitment to the production of marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership programs.
The success of the print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further highlights the platform’s impact, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.
Recently honored with the Media Leadership Award from the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the landscape of Algerian digital news, maintaining a position of influence and impact in the media industry.
