Saadane Reveals Role in Keeping Petkovic as Algeria Coach

Rabah Saadane, the historical coach of Algeria's national team, revealed the role he and the Algerian technical committee played in keeping Vladimir Petkovic as the manager of "The Greens". This announcement came after the team's elimination from the round of 32 in the 2026 World Cup, where Petkovic was on the verge of being sacked.

What Was the Role of the Technical Committee?

Saadane explained in statements to the Algerian News Agency that the national technical committee was primarily advisory, providing recommendations to the football federation to make appropriate decisions. He said: "We worked to accompany the Algerian Football Federation in setting strategic directions and technical policies to develop Algerian football."

Why Was Petkovic Retained?

He mentioned that the technical committee's meeting was predetermined, as its purpose was to relieve pressure on the Algerian federation and use it to pass the news of not terminating Petkovic's contract diplomatically. Petkovic remains contracted with the federation until the summer of 2026, with a monthly salary of 160,000 euros, making him the highest-paid coach on the African continent.

What Are the Latest Team Updates?

The team's last result was a 2-0 loss against Switzerland on July 3, 2026. The team has recorded 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses in their last 5 matches, losing the last two.