Algeria coach speaks about excluding Belaili, shows confidence in Bennacer

Algeria national team coach Vladimir Petkovic stressed the importance of maintaining a winning mentality in every match, emphasizing that no game should ever be treated as a friendly.

Speaking at a press conference, Petkovic said, according to Ennaharonline:

“I have already mentioned before — there are no friendly matches with the national team. We must work hard and convince people through our performances by giving everything we have, because winning every match is essential.”

He continued:

“It’s good to look ahead to the future, but we must also remember that by winning, we can improve our position in the FIFA rankings.”

On Ismael Bennacer

About Ismael Bennacer, the Algerian coach confirmed that the midfielder is part of the 27-man squad for the upcoming training camp:

“Bennacer is currently with us in the 27-player list for the next camp. In his last match with Dinamo Zagreb, he delivered a good performance, but he’s not yet at 100% fitness. I hope he can fully recover his abilities to give us what we expect from a player of his level.”

Petkovic showed confidence in Dinamo Zagreb midfielder:

“I am certain that Bennacer, both technically and tactically, can contribute a lot to the national team.”

Youcef Belaili’s absence from Algeria squad

Petkovic also spoke about Youcef Belaili who was left out of the current squad for the November camp:

“Belaili is not the only one who wasn’t called up. It’s not the first time we include players who weren’t with us before.”

He continued:

“Compared to the October camp, six players from that list are not in the current squad — it’s not just Belaïli.”

The coach further clarified:

“I know Belaili very well, but there are other players currently with us whom I don’t know well enough yet. This is the last opportunity to evaluate them before the Africa Cup of Nations.”

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