An Algerian national team player expressed strong anger towards Vladimir Petkovic following the defeat against Guinea on Thursday night at Nelson Mandela Stadium.
Ismael Bennacer, despite his dazzling form and remarkable season with AC Milan, was sidelined during the Algeria-Guinea encounter under the management of coach Vladimir Petkovic.
This decision sparked sharp criticism, especially given Bennacer’s undeniable potential to impact the course of the match. In a press conference, Petkovic justified his decision by stating that it wasn’t the right time to bring Bennacer in, preferring to prioritize the Zerrouki-Bentaleb duo.
Bennacer’s reaction was swift. Leaving the stadium visibly upset, he expressed his frustration at not being on the field. Many believe his presence could have turned the tide for Algeria, who ultimately suffered a 1-2 defeat.
This situation raises questions about the national team’s strategy and the management of individual talents. While Bennacer was in top form and had impressed throughout the season, his exclusion is surprising and fuels debates on selection criteria and the tactical choices of the coach.
The debate surrounding Bennacer’s non-inclusion highlights tensions between supporter expectations, players’ club performances, and national team coaches’ decisions. It remains to be seen how this situation will influence Algeria’s upcoming matches and what role Bennacer will play in the team’s future plans.
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