Noureddine Zekri sparks storm over Algeria job with claim he is country’s best coach

Noureddine Zekri, the former Al Shabab coach in Saudi Arabia, has ignited a fierce debate over who should lead Algeria’s national team next, after declaring he is currently the best Algerian coach and insisting that no local manager can match his CV or coaching qualifications.

The controversy comes as uncertainty continues to surround the future of Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic, whose position at the helm of the “Desert Warriors” remains unresolved despite a recommendation from the Algerian Football Federation’s technical committee that he should stay on.

Petkovic renewed his contract before the 2026 World Cup, extending it to 2028, but Algeria’s failure at the tournament and rising calls for a change in the technical staff have put his role under intense scrutiny. Within the federation, there has already been discussion of turning to an Algerian coach as a possible successor.

‘I am currently the best Algerian coach’

Speaking to Algeria’s Echourouk News TV channel, the 61-year-old Zekri delivered a blunt assessment of his standing compared with his compatriots.

He said: “انا حاليا افضل مدرب جزايري، وليس مجرد مدرب محلي، لان كل شهاداتي ايطالية ومعترف بها دوليا. لا يوجد اي مدرب في الجزاير يملك سيرة ذاتية او شهادات مثل التي املكها”.

He added that his record over more than a quarter of a century in the dugout spoke for itself.

The coach continued: “خلال 26 عاما من مسيرتي، كلما توليت تدريب فريق تمكنت من تحقيق الاهداف المطلوبة مني. ماذا تريدون اكثر من ذلك؟”.

Zekri bases his argument on a long coaching career in Algeria and abroad. His most notable domestic success came with ES Setif, with whom he lifted the Algerian Cup in 2010. In the Gulf, he has been credited with rescuing several Saudi clubs from relegation in difficult circumstances.

Successes in Algeria and Saudi Arabia

Detailing his achievements, Zekri pointed to his ability both to win trophies with strong squads and to keep struggling sides in the top flight.

He explained: “عندما توليت فرقا تم بناوها من اجل المنافسة على الالقاب، حققت البطولات، كما حدث مع وفاق سطيف. وفي السعودية، اشرفت على اندية كانت تصارع للبقاء في الدرجة الاولى، وكان الحفاظ على مكانتها يبدو شبه مستحيل، لكنني نجحت في ذلك”.

Zekri has coached a number of Saudi teams, including Al Fayha, Damac, Al Okhdood and Al Khaleej (Al-Kholood in the first division), before becoming a free agent following his departure from Al Shabab on 30 June.

Despite the force of his statements, he insisted he is not lobbying to replace Petkovic as Algeria head coach.

He said: “انا لا اطلب منصب مدرب المنتخب الوطني. لقد قدمت ترشحي سابقا بطلب من عدة اشخاص، لكنني لن افعل ذلك مرة اخرى”.

Anger at talk of new backroom staff

In a related development, Zekri turned his ire on media reports suggesting that former Algeria internationals Antar Yahia and Rafik Saifi could be brought in as assistants within the national team set-up.

Mocking the speculation, he said: “ما شاء الله عنتر يحيى لديه اسم كبير، مثلما صنعنا اسم مجيد بوقرة في وقت سابق، الان نتجه لصناعة اسم يحيى بنفس الطريقة”.

Zekri then launched a scathing critique of former defender-turned-coach Madjid Bougherra’s recent track record.

He continued: “بوقرة سقط مع فريق في الدوري الاماراتي، ثم سقط مع فريق في الدوري القطري، كما انه فشل في قيادة منتخب لبنان للتاهل الى كاس اسيا 2027”.

Questioning the direction of Algerian football decision-makers, he asked: “هل تريدون اعادة (جزاير ام درمان) بدون شهادات او ثقة؟”.

He then escalated his criticism, saying: “مجرد ذكر اسماء هولاء للعمل في المنتخب شتيمة للجزاير وتنقيص من قيمة رجال هذا الوطن”.

Claims of a ‘lobby’ shaping public opinion

Zekri concluded by alleging that vested interests are promoting specific names for high-profile roles with the national team.

He said: “هناك لوبي يوجه الراي العام نحو مدربين باعينهم، يصورهم على انهم مورينيو، وهم في الواقع لا شيء”.

As the Algerian federation weighs up Petkovic’s future and debates intensify over whether a foreign or local coach should lead the team forward, Zekri’s comments have further polarised opinion – and underlined the deep divisions over the direction of the national side after a disappointing World Cup campaign.