Algeria's Ali Fergani: "It's not just Mahrez who's not delivering"
Ali Fergani says Mahrez is not delivering. The former Fennecs captain and head coach is not reassured by the Greens.
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What is your analysis after this draw against the Stallions?
I knew it wouldn't be easy, because Burkina Faso are a quality side who have often caused problems for Algeria. This result comes after another draw, against Angola. The sums are simple: Algeria have two points after two games. So it's not very brilliant, nor a very good start. Of course, there are still three points to play for against Mauritania on Tuesday. It's a game we will have to win, because a draw might not be enough… I was disappointed with the team's performance against Burkina Faso.
More because of the performance than the result?
Yes. I repeat, Burkina Faso are a very good side. Drawing with the Stallions is not in itself a disaster. But the team's performance did not reassure me. We are lucky to have a striker like Bounedjah, who allowed the team to equalise late in the game. He has scored all three of our goals since the start of the AFCON. Thank goodness he's there. But the team had an interesting first forty-five minutes against Angola, whereas what followed has not been very encouraging.
"At times you get the impression Mahrez isn't there"
How do you explain it?
Some players look tired. The heat and humidity in Bouaké don't help, that's for sure. But that doesn't explain everything. Let's be honest: some players are not playing at their level. I'm thinking of Youcef Atal, Nabil Bentaleb, Sofiane Feghouli, Ramiz Zerrouki and of course Riyad Mahrez, who is completely out of sync. Whether against Angola or Burkina Faso, at times I had the impression he wasn't there. He is no longer the Mahrez of Manchester City.
Do you expect changes against Mauritania?
I think they are necessary in a few positions. We'll see whether Belmadi starts Mahrez, who is really not at his level. But it's not just Mahrez who isn't delivering. The coach has to react, the players have to react, otherwise we're in trouble! Algeria will face a Mauritanian side who still have a slim chance of being among the best third-placed teams if they win. They will be very motivated and will no doubt cause the Algerians problems. This game will be no walk in the park.
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Alexis Billebault