Djamel Benlamri shared his sentiments on his exclusion from the Algerian national team for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on the “100% Foot” show on “El Heddaf” channel.
The central defender expressed his disappointment with former coach Djamel Belmadi, who did not call him up for the competition. Benlamri, who plays for MC Alger, had hoped to end his international career by participating in this prestigious tournament.
He revealed that he contacted Belmadi after the final squad announcement to understand his exclusion. Benlamri was particularly unhappy with Belmadi’s response, as he had chosen players lacking in match fitness while Benlamri himself was playing regularly. The situation was compounded by the return of his friend Youcef Belaïli to the national team, which added to his frustration.
Despite this disappointment, Benlamri assured that his relationship with Belmadi remains positive, acknowledging that selection decisions are within the coach’s purview. He thus remains on good terms with Belmadi, despite differences in player selection for the 2023 AFCON.
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