The Algeria Football Federation (FAF) has reached a provisional agreement with Felix Sanchez Bas to become the country’s next manager, according to French-language sports newspaper Competition.
The Spanish coach is understood to be the leading candidate to replace Vladimir Petkovic, whose departure was officially confirmed by mutual consent earlier this week. Unless there is a late change, Sanchez Bas could be appointed in the coming days.
The National Technical College met at the Sidi Moussa National Technical Centre on Thursday to assess the shortlisted candidates for the Algeria job. Chaired by “cheikh” Rabah Saadane and attended by national technical director Ali Moucer, the panel reviewed the profiles selected by the federation.
The meeting followed the end of Petkovic’s tenure. When announcing his departure, the FAF said it would assess potential successors according to three criteria: competence, experience and suitability for its sporting project.
Several candidates were considered, but Sanchez Bas has emerged as the preferred option. The federation is believed to be looking for a coach capable of developing the team over the long term, with a strong record in youth development and a clear footballing philosophy.
Discussions with the former Qatar and Ecuador manager are reported to have progressed significantly, with a provisional agreement already in place.
Financial considerations have also played a part. Sanchez Bas is reportedly willing to work within the limits set by the FAF, which does not want to exceed the approximately 160,000 euros per month paid to Petkovic under his final contract. The Spanish coach’s salary would be about 150,000 euros a month.
A contract running from 15 August 2026 to 31 July 2028 is being considered, according to Competition. His initial target would be to guide Algeria to at least the semi-finals of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Sanchez Bas has appealed to the federation for several reasons. He worked in the youth system at FC Barcelona before joining Aspire Academy, where he developed a reputation for improving young players.
He later guided several generations of Qatar players through to the senior national team. That work culminated in Qatar winning the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
His preference for possession-based football, collective organisation and building play from defence is also seen as a match for the direction Algeria wants to take after Petkovic.
The coach’s position on his backroom staff is another factor in his favour. Unlike Rafael Benitez, Sanchez Bas is understood to have accepted the appointment of Algerian assistant coaches. He would, however, want to bring at least one fitness coach and a trusted assistant, with the possibility of also adding a video analyst.
That flexibility has reportedly been welcomed by the FAF, which wants the next manager to build a stronger connection with the local football environment.
If the appointment is completed, Sanchez Bas could begin work in mid-August. His first major task would be preparing Algeria for the start of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which is scheduled to begin from 21 September.
After considering a number of high-profile candidates who were either too expensive or not considered a strong fit, Algeria appears to have settled on a coach with experience, structure and financial accessibility who also suits its rebuilding plans.
