Algérie’s coaching carousel: from Bosnien flop to €100k salary cap

Two weeks after dismissing Vladimir Petkovic, whose contract had just been extended ahead of the Coupe du monde 2026, Algérie’s federation finds itself torn between the disappointment of the Bosnien era and a scramble for a new coach within a €100,000‑per‑month salary ceiling.

Supporters of the Verts breathed a sigh of relief as the federation prepared to turn the page on the Bosnien experiment, which had failed to deliver at the recent African Cup of Nations in Maroc and at the World Cup 26.

Bosnien’s unfulfilled promises

The Bosnien coach could not transform the team, seeing them exit the AFCON quarter‑finals against Nigeria and then bow out of the World Cup 26 in the round of 16 to Suisse on 3 July, a match that served as a baroud d’honneur for Riyad Mahrez.

Potential successors and financial limits

Sources have floated names such as the Portuguese Paulo Bento, former Seleçao boss, and Félix Sanchez, who led Qatar at the Mondial 2022, but the salary envelope is capped at 100 000 euros per month, limiting interest from high‑profile managers.

Other rumored candidates like Rafa Benitez and Walter Mazzarri have been mentioned, yet the modest pay package appears to deter these renowned coaches from moving to African football.

Additional names under consideration include Gustavo Poyet and Igor Tudor, both free agents after brief spells at Juventus, Tottenham and a Saudi club, with Tudor praised for his tactical principles that could reshape Algérie.

Le FAF also confirmed that Anthar Yahia will oversee the next squad selection for the first two CAN 2027 qualifying matches against Zambia and Burundi at the end of September.

The coaching saga continues to unfold, with each new rumor adding another twist to a story that began with the abrupt end of Vladimir Petkovic’s tenure.