The Algeria Football Federation (FAF) is reportedly still undecided over Vladimir Petkovic’s successor, with two unnamed Spanish coaches now said to be in discussions to take charge of the Fennecs.
Petkovic’s departure was officially confirmed on 3 August, but three weeks later Algeria are yet to appoint a new manager, with the federation continuing to consider a number of candidates.
The latest development has added further uncertainty to a search that has already included several experienced coaches.
According to reports, the FAF is currently speaking to two Spanish coaches whose identities have not been made public. Both are reportedly willing to leave their current clubs or positions should an agreement be reached with Algeria.
The federation’s initial search was led by the National Technical College, which was tasked with producing a shortlist of candidates.
That process resulted in three finalists: Felix Sanchez, Rafael Benitez and Tom Saintfiet.
Sanchez and Benitez represented the Spanish coaching school, while Saintfiet was considered the less expected name among the three.
The FAF later moved away from that shortlist and considered another group of candidates.
Former Portugal manager Paulo Bento, Walter Mazzarri and an unnamed third coach were included in the second selection.
Bento’s inclusion attracted particular attention because of his previous experience at international level, including leading Portugal to the semi-finals of Euro 2012.
However, uncertainty has surrounded several of the leading candidates.
Sanchez’s chances appeared to suffer after reports suggested he was negotiating with South Korea. There were also reportedly concerns within the federation about his management of the Algerian squad and his communication with players.
His candidacy has nevertheless not been definitively ruled out.
Saintfiet has also remained part of the wider discussion despite earlier reports claiming that he had reached an agreement with the federation. Bento’s position is similarly unclear, with his agent reportedly denying that the former Portugal manager had agreed to take the job.
Other prominent coaches have since been linked with the vacancy.
Igor Tudor, Stefano Pioli and Gustavo Poyet have all emerged in reports concerning the position, although information surrounding some of the candidates has been contradictory.
Poyet is reportedly among those who have held discussions with the FAF. He is said to have rejected an offer worth €103,000 a month, with the same situation reportedly applying to members of his coaching staff.
Despite the uncertainty, negotiations involving Poyet are understood to have continued.
The growing list of names has made it increasingly difficult to identify which coach is currently the leading candidate.
The emergence of two unnamed Spanish coaches has added another layer to the process, with both reportedly prepared to leave their present positions for the Algeria job.
While the FAF continues its search, preparations for Algeria’s upcoming competitive fixtures cannot be delayed.
