Alain Giresse: "What I liked about Belmadi..."

Alain Giresse has a special history with Africa. The coach has managed the national teams of Mali, Gabon, Senegal and Tunisia, which gives him a good insight into African football. The former France international also has a soft spot for one national team coach: Djamel Belmadi. In an interview with the outlet "Al-Araby", he opened up.

"What I liked about Belmadi is that he didn't buckle under criticism. Quite the opposite, he worked to get the Algeria team back on track. In my view, he has managed to do that. And the proof is that he has achieved very good results this year, and I hope the same momentum continues so that he reaches the objectives he has been set", Alain Giresse said.

Giresse also believes Djamel Belmadi is doing a good job of renewing the squad of the 2019 African champions, which is a boon for the Fennecs. "Belmadi is lucky to have this generation led by Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani and Sofiane Feghouli. Those names have a huge job ahead to guide the group of young players recently brought in, with players such as Chaïbi, Bouhanni, Aouar, Gourari and Aït-Nouri. I think the Greens have players who can make a significant contribution for many years". With the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast starting on 13 January 2024, the Fennecs are naturally among the favourites. It is a chance for Djamel Belmadi to live up to everything Giresse thinks of him...