FAF in talks with Gustavo Poyet to succeed Petkovic as national team coach
The Algerian Football Federation FAF is reportedly in advanced discussions with former Uruguayan midfielder Gustavo Poyet, 58, to become the next coach of the national team. This development follows the amicable separation between the FAF and Vladimir Petković approximately two weeks ago. Poyet is said to be enthusiastic about the prospect of coaching Algeria, despite being courted by other nations including South Korea, South Africa, and Poland. Earlier negotiations by the FAF with other candidates, such as Spain's Félix Sánchez, Italy's Walter Mazzarri, and Portugal's Paulo Bento, did not result in an agreement due to financial demands exceeding the allocated budget. The FAF had initially considered an Iberian coach, and a local solution with Anthar Yahia was also explored but did not materialize. Poyet's coaching career includes stints in England, Spain, and France, notably with Real Betis in 2016 and Girondins de Bordeaux two years later. He also managed the Greek national team from 2022 to 2024. The FAF is under pressure to quickly appoint a new coach as continental deadlines approach.
