National team coach Vladimir Petkovic has declared that Algeria’s aspirations extend beyond merely qualifying for the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations. He emphasized that the primary objective in the upcoming period is to compete for and ultimately win the continental title.
Speaking at a press conference following the team’s successful qualification, Petkovic asserted that the team is making steady progress. He affirmed that the hard work and focus will continue with the aim of advancing deep into the competition. He added that reaching the knockout rounds instills greater confidence and a heightened sense of responsibility in the players to defend Algeria’s chances.
The coach also touched upon the presence of families in the stands, commenting on Zinedine Zidane’s attendance to support his son, considering it a natural occurrence. He highlighted that many players’ families were also present to support their sons, which positively impacts the morale and psychological well-being of the national team members.
Petkovic concluded his remarks by emphasizing that fan and family support is a crucial factor in the team’s journey. He reiterated that the focus remains on achieving the ultimate goal: bringing joy to Algerian fans by winning the continental championship.
The national team coach also addressed the health status of some players: “I hope that the injuries sustained by the duo, Hajjaj and Sharqi, are not serious, and we will await the results of the examinations before considering the next steps.”
Petkovic concluded his statements by talking about the upcoming match against Equatorial Guinea: “We will start preparing for the next match from now on, and I will make some changes. I will evaluate the performance of each player and give more players a chance.”
