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For the March 2024 international break, Algeria face Bolivia (Friday March 22) and South Africa (Tuesday March 26). Coach Vladimir Petkovic has left out key players such as Sofiane Feghouli, Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani and Youcef Belaïli. He explains why.
Vladimir Petkovic's first list as Algeria coach is a clear-cut one. The coach has decided to do without certain key players: Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani and Youcef Belaïli. The 60-year-old coach held a press conference on Sunday March 17 and he was keen to explain these absences. "Mahrez called me. We had a long talk. He lacks energy and hasn't yet recovered his level. It was he who asked for time to think about his future. He asked my permission not to come to this training camp, as he doesn't feel ready. He doesn't have enough energy to be able to play a big role for the national team," says the former Bordeaux coach. "For Slimani, Belaïli and Feghouli, the door is open, but they're up against some very tough competition. There are other players in their positions who deserve to be here."
Vladimir Petkovic spoke of the absence of Islam Slimani, the Fennecs' all-time top scorer. "Slimani is absent.I know him, I've spoken with him, he's a top player. There are certain players, including him, for whom it's important to focus on their club at the moment. The newcomers? In our opinion, they deserve to be here. Maybe I'm making mistakes, by not calling up some of them at the moment, but the June break could rectify that."
🚨 La première liste de l'ère Vladimir Petkovic est tombée !
🇩🇿💯 De nombreux nouveaux (Hadj Moussa, Guitane), des absents de marque (Mahrez, Slimani) et des retours (Brahimi, Bouanani). Qu'en pensez-vous ? pic.twitter.com/ogc8ZAVOOC
— DZfoot (@DZfoot) March 15, 2024
