Former Libya international Nader Al-Tarhouni has outlined the profile he believes is required to lead the national team following the resignation of Aliou Cisse earlier this month.
Cisse stepped down at the beginning of April despite having a contract running until 2027, leaving the Libyan Football Federation searching for a successor at a critical moment for the national side.
Al-Tarhouni, speaking to WinWin, stressed that Libya must move beyond short-term solutions and instead adopt a structured, long-term approach built around a capable and experienced coach.
“The Libyan national team currently needs a real project from the local football federation led by a distinguished coach with a great track record and clear experience in building teams and creating a tactical identity.”
Emphasis on discipline, identity and long-term planning
The 46-year-old, who enjoyed a wide-ranging club career across the Arab world, said the next appointment should focus not only on results but also on building a cohesive team structure and mentality.
“The national team needs a real coach who instills discipline and transforms a group of players into one team with one spirit, a coach who is able to build the mentality, instill confidence and create an environment that motivates winning and continuous development.”
He added that sustained progress in international football depends heavily on continuity and organisational stability, warning against repeated changes in direction.
“The success of any sports project requires continuity and stability, and this is where the role of the coach becomes clearly evident. If you want to build a successful sports project for the national team, start by choosing the right coach.”
Three candidates identified for national team role
Al-Tarhouni also named three coaches he believes possess the credentials to lead Libya forward, all of whom have prior experience at international level.
Among them is French coach Hervé Renard, noted for his achievements in African football. Renard guided Zambia to the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2012 and later led Ivory Coast to continental success in 2015. He is currently available following his departure from the Saudi national team.
The former midfielder also highlighted Moroccan coach Hussein Ammouta, who is unattached after leaving Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates in August 2025. Ammouta recently led Jordan to the final of the Asian Cup, further enhancing his reputation.
A third option put forward is Jamal Al-Salami, the current head coach of the Jordan national team, who has also built experience in managing at international level.
Warning over stagnation in Libyan football
Al-Tarhouni concluded with a broader critique of the state of Libyan football, suggesting that longstanding structural issues have hindered progress and competitiveness.
“The Libyan national team is paying the price today for past accumulations of disorganized work and continued reliance on temporary and patchwork solutions that will only lead to further decline and a widening of the technical gap with competing teams in Africa at a time when the pace of development is accelerating around us, while Libyan football remains trapped in a cycle of stagnation and waiting.”
His comments underline the urgency facing Libya’s football authorities as they seek to appoint a new coach capable of reversing the team’s trajectory and restoring competitiveness on the continental stage.
