Belmadi to continue as Algeria coach despite World Cup failure
Djamel Belmadi has confirmed that he will remain as the head coach of Algeria national team following their failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
There have been widespread speculations around Belmadi’s future after the Desert Foxes gave up their first-leg advantage and bowed to a 2-1 loss against Cameroon in their World Cup qualifier in March.
The World Cup failure was the latest disappointment for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winners after they were eliminated in the group stage of the 2021 AFCON earlier this year.
Belmadi disclosed that he opted to leave his coaching position but the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) were reluctant to terminate it and they requested his continuity.
The 46-year-old told the FAF TV. “I have a contract that continues until December 2022, and there are no conditions for the necessity of achieving results, contrary to what was said, but the matter has nothing to do with the contract.
“I gave the officials in the Federation the opportunity to terminate the contract without problems and they asked me to stay.
“The most important element is the public and our people, who showed that they want us to stay in the national team, and I came for this, in order to raise the flag of Algeria high, and so that the team is at the highest level not only in Africa but in the world.
“I see it as my duty to continue in this mission, and I will work with my heart and with all determination because the people deserve it. I hope that the decision will be in the interest of Algeria.”
