Djamel Belmadi, the head coach of the Algerian national football team, has firmly defended his selection decisions for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers and addressed the status of certain absent players, alongside insights into his future with the 'Fennecs'.
Algeria national football team coach selection
Speaking on the sidelines of the announcement of the squad for the upcoming fixtures, the Bosnian tactician elaborated on the criteria for selecting the called-up players, the situation of some notable omissions, and his tenure at the helm of the national team.
**Belmadi Responds to Critics**
Addressing inquiries about the delay in announcing the World Cup squad, Belmadi stated, "I postponed the announcement to ensure the condition of Zinedine Ferhat and Ramy Bensebaini was clear. I assure you they are fully ready. We sent an extended list of 55 players, then narrowed it down to 35 before settling on these 26."
Belmadi declined to engage in debates regarding players not selected, emphasizing that his choices are always made in the best interest of the team. "I am not obligated to justify the absence of players; I choose what is best for the team," he asserted.
He further clarified his selection philosophy: "I am not against the players who were not called up; I am for the players who were called up."
**Tougaï Replaces Durval**
The Bosnian coach explained the decision to exclude Mehdi Tahrat from the final squad and replace him with Kévin Tougaï. "We have Abdennour Belkheir and Himad Abdelli who can play on the right, alongside Bounedjah. On the left, we have Houssem Aouar and Rayan Ait-Nouri, in addition to Ramy Bensebaini, who can also play on the left. We have enough players in those positions."
**Return of Bentaleb**
Belmadi also lauded the recent form of Algerian international Nabil Bentaleb, highlighting the importance of his return to competitive play. "We know Bentaleb well; he possesses all the qualities the team needs. He has shown he is in good condition over the past few months."
**Boudhaoui's Issue Resolved**
The former Switzerland national team coach touched upon the injury of midfielder Hicham Boudaoui with his club OGC Nice. "Boudaoui was the only issue we faced last week, and we can say it has been resolved."
He added, "There is a FIFA protocol for concussion, which stipulates a seven-day rest period after the head injury. The rest period has ended, the results are positive, and he will return to training with us today."
**Four Local Players Included**
Regarding the inclusion of four players from the Algerian League in the final squad, Belmadi commented, "For me, there is no difference between local players and players born abroad or playing abroad. The players who were called up deserve to be with us in the World Cup."
**Ramadan – The Surprise Call-up**
In a related context, Belmadi explained the rationale behind calling up four goalkeepers, despite competition rules limiting the final squad to three. "We have four goalkeepers because the allowed number in the squad does not exceed three. We chose a fourth goalkeeper because it is the only position where we can replace a player during the tournament."
**New Contract Developments**
Concerning his future with the Algerian national team and the possibility of extending his contract, the coach expressed his satisfaction with his work with the 'Fennecs', confirming that negotiations are ongoing. "I am ready to discuss extending my contract because I am happy, but the process has begun and is not yet complete."
**Not Against Baghdad Bounedjah**
On the reasons for excluding striker Baghdad Bounedjah from the squad for the trip to the United States, Belmadi stated, "Bounedjah has given a lot to the national team throughout his career. I am not against Bounedjah."
**Algeria's World Cup Goal**
Regarding the objective the Algerian national team aims to achieve in the global tournament, the Bosnian tactician said, "I promise you that we will do our utmost and strive to raise the team's name high. We have several objectives."
He also added, "We will do our best to avoid playing three matches and returning home. It's crazy, but competing in a World Cup like this is harder than ever because if you get out of your group, you only qualify for the Round of 16."
Related topics: Algeria football team, Djamel Belmadi, World Cup qualifiers, Algerian national team, football selection, contract renewal
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