The President of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), Walid Sadi, has provided an update on the recent absences of Riyad Mahrez and Youcef Belaili from the national team. In a statement to the national radio on Friday, Sadi clarified that “there is no issue involving Mahrez, Belaili, or Slimani,” emphasizing that Coach Petkovic monitors all players and has the freedom to select the most suitable ones.
Sadi added, “The topic of Mahrez, Slimani, and Belaili’s absence from the last two training camps has sparked much debate. I cannot interfere in Coach Petkovic’s duties, but we do hold him accountable for the results achieved.”
Sadi also revealed that “Mahrez will meet with the national coach Vladimir Petkovic at the appropriate time and place, and he will be relied upon in the future.” Regarding the national team’s performance decline during the June training camp matches, Sadi noted that the nature of the matches affects the players’ levels.
He pointed out that friendly matches have less pressure compared to official matches, adding that the period between June and September is the most challenging of the season because all players are preoccupied with the transfer market.
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Absence of Mahrez and Belaili from the national team
