After Djamel Belmadi’s departure from his position as the national team coach, Algeria is in search of his successor. Targeted by the federation leaders, Zinedine Zidane has given his final response.
The rumor circulated a few hours after Djamel Belmadi’s departure following the Fennecs’ elimination in the first round of the 2023 AFCON. Zinedine Zidane, the former coach of Real Madrid, was reportedly approached by the Algerian Football Federation to take charge of the national team. This news sparked excitement among Fennecs’ supporters, who hoped to see the 1998 World Cup champion bring his experience and prestige to the land of his origins. This Friday, the newspaper L’Équipe confirmed Algeria’s approach. However, the dream for Algerians is cut short: Zidane politely declined the offer.
Zidane’s refusal
According to the French newspaper, Zinedine Zidane has not been indifferent to Algeria, the country of his parents, which he visits regularly and always speaks of with respect and affection. Free from any contract, the legend of the Blues was flattered by Algeria’s interest but once again declined the Algerian proposition, as he has previously done with Brazil or the United States. While he recently stated that he would be honored to take charge of the Algerian national team, the 51-year-old is currently focused on other projects.
Without a club since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, Zidane wants to stay in Europe, and not just anywhere. If not Real Madrid or Juventus, it will be the French national team, a goal he has had for years. He has been persistently rumored to take over from Didier Deschamps as the head of the French national team, and the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner is patiently waiting for his chance.
A disappointment for Algeria
This is disappointing news for Algerians who particularly appreciate Zinedine Zidane’s profile, one of the most famous and respected figures in football. After the failure of AFCON 2023, where the Fennecs were eliminated in the first round with an incredible last match against Mauritania, the Algerian Federation wants a big name to replace Djamel Belmadi. Despite a satisfactory record in terms of victories, Belmadi, who led Algeria to continental victory in 2019, did not leave his mark on the hearts of Algerians.
Eliminated in AFCON 2021, the Fennecs were expected to perform better this year, which will not be the case. FAF President Walid Sadi wanted to pull off the Zidane coup to satisfy many disappointed Algerians with the current state of the national team. Now, with the refusal of the hero of France in 1998, Sadi will have to explore other options.
The future of the Algerian national team
Among the names mentioned is Hervé Renard, a double winner of AFCON with Zambia and Ivory Coast, currently managing the French Women’s National Team. Recently, Renard, who wanted to lend a helping hand to Ivory Coast during AFCON 2023, stated that he is exclusively focusing on France. While Renard was tempted by a temporary loan to Ivory Coast, it must be said that the position in Algeria does not really appeal to him. In any case, hope is not lost for Algeria to eventually find the sought-after profile to secure their future.
After recent disappointments, the new coach of the Fennecs will have a heavy responsibility to rebuild a competitive and formidable team, much like Morocco or Senegal currently are on the continent. Whether the pressure surrounding the Algerian national team has cooled Zidane for now remains uncertain.
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