Algeria – Press conference: Vladimir Petkovic sets the record straight | OneFootball

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Algeria – Press conference: Vladimir Petkovic unveils his plans

Algeria – Press conference: Vladimir Petkovic sets the record straight

In preparation for the two matches counting towards the 2026 World Cup qualifiers—against Somalia on October 9 at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran (5:00 PM) and Uganda on October 14 at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium in Tizi-Ouzou (5:00 PM)—Algeria’s head coach, Vladimir Petkovic, held the customary press conference in the “Mohamed Sellah” room at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki. The Swiss tactician revealed his squad list and justified his selections, while also making his ambitions clear.

“We are fully focused on the next two World Cup qualifying matches.”

“In September, we moved closer to our objective with both positives and negatives. We took 4 points, which is good, but there are still things to improve.”

“We have two opponents, Somalia and Uganda, who will play at 120% to put us in difficulty, but I am convinced the 26 players called up are ready for the challenge.”

“We’ll do everything we can to ensure the Algerian people are happy to qualify for the World Cup after 12 years away.”

“I’ve watched these new players progress at their clubs and, as usual, we’ve given new players the chance to adapt. Since I started, we have always had many injuries.”

“Some players are in better form than certain regulars, and they can replace them. This shows that the doors to the national team are always open.”

“We’ll be at Sidi Moussa from Monday to Wednesday before flying to Oran, training the day before the match at 5:00 PM, and then returning to Sidi Moussa.”

“I’m happy with my goalkeepers, but I want to widen the pool in that position, just as I do with outfield players.”

“I think if Zidane has been called up, it’s because he deserves it. I’m convinced that, with his qualities, he can bring something different. Debating now about who is number one is premature.”

“No player is indispensable. If someone is better than the usual starters, I’ll make the change—I won’t go against my own judgment.”

“The stakes in the Somalia match don’t allow me to think ahead to what comes next.”

“I’ve shown at every training camp that I’m influenced by what’s said on social media. Obviously, I’m joking. I listen to everything, but in the end, I make the decisions. I have character and sometimes, when a player’s name is repeated too often, it’s not good. Sometimes I can be stubborn.”

“If people say we didn’t play well in September, I’d remind them we took 4 points and are moving closer to our goal. Such criticism isn’t good for Algerian football. We all need to take the team to the World Cup!”

“Our defense is working well. We also have midfielders and forwards who help defensively. We had to make some choices due to injuries.”

“I’m not 100% satisfied. We can improve in one-on-one defending, but we’ve seen progress on set pieces.”

“Systems aren’t very important; it’s the playing principles and the players’ mentality that matter.”

“Bouanani is a young, talented player. I want to see how he behaves in the group after starting out in Germany.”

“I’ve seen Boulbina make progress in Qatar. He needs to score even more goals, and we’ll see about the senior team, but he’s already convincing with the A’ team.”

“Bakrar is a penalty-box player. I’m very happy he can develop at a club like Dinamo, which is highly structured. He plays more on the right to get more of the ball, but the club knows he’s a box striker. There’s competition.”

“For Touba, I want to give new players like Chergui a chance, but the door remains open.”

“I think Bensebaïni is exemplary. He hasn’t received many yellow cards for a defender. Even if he missed the last few games, that’s no reason to say he gets too many bookings. He’s very important for us.”

“Belaïli is essential. I’ve heard a lot from the stands—he’s very popular in Algeria. I always think about players who can help me win, but there is attacking competition.”

“We’re facing two extremely important matches. Our opponents will give everything. Somalia may look weak, but their recent games show they can take points. Uganda is the most in-form team in the group: since losing to us, they haven’t been beaten. Both matches will be very tough and we must be mentally ready.”