Algerian Radio
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) announced on Monday night the official departure of Swiss-Bosnian head coach Vladimir Petkovic from the national team.
This announcement came in a statement from the governing body, headed by Walid Sadi, just 36 hours after reports began circulating regarding Petkovic's impending exit.
The FAF stated that, by virtue of a "mutual agreement," the duties of Petkovic and his coaching staff had been terminated, noting that their contracts were initially set to run until 2028.
The federation made sure to thank Petkovic and all members of his staff "for their professionalism, commitment, and dedication throughout the past 29 months." Expressing its "deep appreciation for the work accomplished," the FAF wished Petkovic and his assistants success in their future professional endeavors.
The 62-year-old former Lazio and Bordeaux manager, along with his staff, is expected to receive three months' salary in compensation.
Private sources indicated that a "committee of experts" will meet next Thursday in Algiers to determine the successor to Petkovic. Rumors have heavily circulated about bringing in a Spanish coach to steer the national team. If confirmed, he would be the second Spanish tactician to manage the Desert Foxes, following Lucas Alcaraz, whose tenure between April and October 2017 was widely considered disastrous.
Furthermore, former internationals Anthar Yahia and Karim Matmour are expected to be officially appointed as assistant coaches to the new manager in the coming period.
Returning to Petkovic, the coach sparked widespread controversy following the disappointing elimination from the 2026 World Cup held in the United States. A month ago, the Greens suffered a dismal second-round exit at the hands of Switzerland (2-0).
Petkovic generated intense debate over his tactical choices and his stubborn insistence on replicating the disastrous scenario of the elimination against Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Bizarrely, he abandoned his 3-5-2 formation at the very last minute and opted to deploy young midfielder Ibrahim Maza out of position as a center-forward.
Vladimir Petkovic took charge of the Algerian national team in early March 2024, leaving behind a record of 23 wins, 5 draws, and 5 defeats.
