During a television program, Algerian coach Noureddine Zekri staunchly defended two Algerian national team players, Youcef Belaili and Riyad Mahrez.
In the same televised appearance where he criticized irregularities regarding his candidacy for the national team coach position, Noureddine Zekri passionately supported Algerian international Youcef Belaili.
Zekri highlighted Belaili’s excellence as a player, emphasizing that wherever he plays, he significantly impacts the game. According to Zekri, Belaili deserves recognition for his performances and substantial contributions to football, rather than constant criticism for alleged disciplinary issues. “Anyone who claims Youcef Belaili is undisciplined should provide evidence,” Zekri vehemently declared.
He demanded clear explanations from those who criticize Belaili’s behavior, questioning the often unfounded accusations against him. Zekri stressed the importance of focusing on Belaili’s on-field achievements rather than judging him based on rumors or unverified opinions.
Zekri insisted that Belaili has repeatedly proven his worth as a player, decisively contributing to his team’s successes. Ignoring his accomplishments and focusing solely on unproven negatives is unjust and counterproductive for Algerian football. He called for a fairer and more balanced recognition of Belaili’s talents and contributions, emphasizing that supporting and valuing local players are crucial for national football development.
Noureddine Zekri’s passionate defense of Youcef Belaili underscores the necessity of supporting and valuing Algerian players by recognizing their achievements and offering them the respect they deserve.
Zekri also addressed the topic of Riyad Mahrez, highlighting his crucial importance to Algerian football. According to Zekri, Mahrez is undeniably Algeria’s number one player and an exceptional talent. However, he criticized the way Mahrez’s performances have been exploited, stating that expecting him to single-handedly carry the team is unrealistic.
Zekri emphasized that Mahrez, despite his excellence, cannot do everything alone on the field. This excessive expectation harms not only Mahrez but also the entire team, which should function as a cohesive unit. To fully utilize Mahrez’s potential, Zekri stressed the importance of creating an environment where the player is supported by his teammates and where his skills can be optimally showcased.
“Riyad Mahrez is a gem for Algerian football, but we have not fully exploited his potential,” Zekri stated. He underscored that to maximize Mahrez’s performances, it is crucial not to burden him with sole responsibility on the field. Instead, he should be allowed to focus on his strengths while benefiting from strategic support from his teammates.
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