Noureddine Zekri, the former Al Shabab manager in Saudi Arabia, has ignited fierce debate over who should lead Algeria’s national team next after boldly declaring himself the best Algerian coach currently available – and insisting no other local manager can match his CV or coaching qualifications.
His comments come as confusion grows around the future of Swiss head coach Vladimir Petkovic, whose position at the helm of the Desert Warriors remains unresolved despite a recommendation from the Algerian Football Federation’s technical committee that he stay on.
Petkovic future in doubt after World Cup failure
Petkovic renewed his contract before the 2026 World Cup, extending his deal until 2028. But Algeria’s failure at the tournament and mounting calls for a change in the technical staff have weakened his position.
Inside the federation, officials are understood to be divided, with an earlier strategic push to appoint an Algerian to succeed Petkovic now being revisited in light of public pressure and the team’s recent performances.
Against this backdrop, Zekri has thrust himself into the spotlight with a series of combative remarks on Algerian TV.
Speaking to Algeria’s Echourouk News channel, he said: “انا حاليا افضل مدرب جزايري، وليس مجرد مدرب محلي، لان كل شهاداتي ايطالية ومعترف بها دوليا. لا يوجد اي مدرب في الجزاير يملك سيرة ذاتية او شهادات مثل التي املكها”.
The 61-year-old, who has built a long coaching career in Algeria and the Gulf, defended his record in emphatic terms.
“خلال 26 عاما من مسيرتي، كلما توليت تدريب فريق تمكنت من تحقيق الاهداف المطلوبة مني. ماذا تريدون اكثر من ذلك؟”.
Trophies in Algeria and survival acts in Saudi Arabia
Zekri points to a resume that includes spells with several clubs at home and abroad, most notably with ES Setif, where he lifted the Algerian Cup in 2010.
He has also carved out a reputation in Saudi Arabia as a specialist in rescuing struggling sides. He highlighted his success in keeping clubs in the top flight when they appeared destined for relegation.
He explained: “عندما توليت فرقا تم بناوها من اجل المنافسة على الالقاب، حققت البطولات، كما حدث مع وفاق سطيف. وفي السعودية، اشرفت على اندية كانت تصارع للبقاء في الدرجة الاولى، وكان الحفاظ على مكانتها يبدو شبه مستحيل، لكنني نجحت في ذلك”.
Zekri has coached several Saudi teams, including Al Fayha, Damac, Al-Okhdood and Al-Kholood, and most recently left Al Shabab on 30 June, since when he has been out of work and effectively a free agent.
‘I will not apply again’ for Algeria job
Despite the strength of his language, Zekri insisted he is not currently campaigning to replace Petkovic as national team boss.
“انا لا اطلب منصب مدرب المنتخب الوطني. لقد قدمت ترشحي سابقا بطلب من عدة اشخاص، لكنني لن افعل ذلك مرة اخرى”.
His comments underline the tension surrounding the role, with fans, former players and officials all pushing competing visions for how Algeria should rebuild after their recent disappointments.
Anger at talk of new backroom staff
In a further twist, Zekri also ridiculed media reports linking former Algeria internationals Antar Yahia and Rafik Saifi with assistant roles on the national team staff if a reshuffle takes place.
He said sarcastically: “ما شاء الله عنتر يحيى لديه اسم كبير، مثلما صنعنا اسم مجيد بوقرة في وقت سابق، الان نتجه لصناعة اسم يحيى بنفس الطريقة”.
Zekri then launched a scathing critique of former defender and current coach Madjid Bougherra, questioning his recent track record.
“بوقرة سقط مع فريق في الدوري الاماراتي، ثم سقط مع فريق في الدوري القطري، كما انه فشل في قيادة منتخب لبنان للتاهل الى كاس اسيا 2027”.
He went on to ask pointedly: “هل تريدون اعادة (جزاير ام درمان) بدون شهادات او ثقة؟”.
The reference to “Algeria of Omdurman” evokes the famous World Cup 2010 play-off win over Egypt in Sudan, widely seen as a golden moment for Algerian football – one Zekri suggests should not be entrusted to coaches he believes lack credentials.
‘Insult to Algeria’ and claims of a coaching ‘lobby’
Zekri’s anger escalated as he condemned the mere suggestion of appointing some of the former stars to roles with the national side.
“مجرد ذكر اسماء هولاء للعمل في المنتخب شتيمة للجزاير وتنقيص من قيمة رجال هذا الوطن”.
He concluded by alleging that powerful interests are steering the debate over who should lead Algeria.
“هناك لوبي يوجه الراي العام نحو مدربين باعينهم، يصورهم على انهم مورينيو، وهم في الواقع لا شيء”.
Zekri’s explosive intervention has sharpened the focus on both Petkovic’s future and the broader struggle over the direction of Algerian football, with the federation now under growing pressure to clarify whether it will stick with the Swiss coach or turn to a homegrown successor.
