Algeria: Vladimir Petkovic explains absences of Mahrez, Belaïli and Slimani
Vladimir Petkovic faced the press on Sunday, with the new Algeria coach explaining a number of notable absences
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For his first squad as Algeria coach, Vladimir Petkovic has made some bold calls. The manager has chosen to do without a few senior figures: Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani and Youcef Belaïli. The 60-year-old held a press conference on Sunday 17 March, and was keen to explain those absences. "Mahrez called me. We spoke at length. He is short of energy and has not yet rediscovered his best level. He is the one who asked for time to think about his future. He asked my permission not to come for this camp, as he does not feel ready. He does not have enough energy to play a major role with the national team," said the former Bordeaux coach, first of all. "For Slimani, for Belaïli, for Feghouli, the door is open, but they face very stiff competition. There are other players in their positions who deserve to be here."
Vladimir Petkovic also addressed the absence of Islam Slimani, the all-time top scorer for the Fennecs. "Slimani is absent. I know him, I have spoken with him, he is a top-level player. There are certain players, him included, for whom it is important to focus on their clubs for now. The newcomers? In our view, they deserve to be here. Perhaps I am making mistakes by not calling up some players for now, but the June international break could put that right."
🚨 The first squad of the Vladimir Petkovic era is out!
🇩🇿💯 Plenty of new faces (Hadj Moussa, Guitane), some big names missing (Mahrez, Slimani) and some returns (Brahimi, Bouanani). What do you think? pic.twitter.com/ogc8ZAVOOC
— DZfoot (@DZfoot) March 15, 2024
Petkovic counting on home-based players
Petkovic also spoke about the players based in Algeria. The Swiss said he will do everything he can to watch them and assess their level with a view to bringing them into the squad. "I want to tour Algeria, see its football, see the players. The aim is to have as many players as possible, whether in Europe or in Algeria, who are committed to the national team and have the level. It was not easy for me to pick players. I barely knew some of them. I need to broaden my view, hence the 31 players. When I have my 23, every position will be doubled up. The Algerian league? I have seen a few matches, but I also enjoyed seeing the big crowds. Some still have fitness problems. I will soon visit other clubs and watch other games." It is worth noting that the coach has picked three home-based players in his first squad.