This Tuesday, Algeria played its qualification in the round of 16 of CAN 2023. To reach the next round, only a narrow point was needed against Mauritania who were still playing their qualification and who needed to win. And after the fiasco of CAN 2021, there is no room for error for Djamel Belmadi and his gang. However, in a new mind-blowing scenario, Fenex lost to Morabitones (0-1). Another terrible disappointment for Algeria, especially when we know that only 8 teams are eliminated at the end of the group stage.
Directed for a while for his panic and his choices, Belmadi is now clearly in danger at the head of Algeria. After the elimination, he spoke on Canal+ Africa. “No, I didn’t expect this to be like the last one. There is no way. Difficult yes, but not with this sad ending. We did not expect that. I’ve never had to condemn my players, but the result is the same… What’s next? I’m not going to tell you that. Keep trying, but I have people to talk to first.”, he said. Obviously, his press conference was immediately anticipated. And as usual, the Algerian technician dished out answers that are likely to get people talking.
Arbitration is always targeted
After initially getting angry at a reporter, he started talking about the meeting and couldn’t find the words to explain his people’s path. “If we concede a lot of chances, I would say that’s where the problem comes from. But I can’t explain why we can’t win. We have to be more murderous, we find the post, we never manage to make a break, we Never calmed down. (…) If it’s the end of the cycle? Maybe.” Then, the former winner of CAN again protested against the arbitration.
“It is certain that VAR does not work on our side (…) The line belongs to the coach and the 4th referee. How is the president of the federation shouting at the referee so close to the pitch? It didn’t work the way I wanted it to. I accept full responsibility. But to me, treating Mauritania like a little thumb is disrespectful.. The Algerian coach also concluded his press conference by recalling all his work since his arrival. “When I came we were 14th CAF, 60th FIFA, now we are 4th CAF and 30th in the FIFA rankings”. A statement that apparently did not please the Algerian supporters. Very marked, Djamel Belmadi therefore lives with three terrible disappointments and it will be difficult for him to continue at the head of Algeria.
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