Algeria - "I took a hit": Anthony Mandrea speaks out about his omission

Africa 26 September 2025 at 05:21

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI

News Editor

Left out of the latest Greens squad following SM Caen’s relegation to the National, Anthony Mandrea broke his silence as he prepares for the trip to Châteauroux, Friday, September 26, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The 28-year-old goalkeeper doesn’t dodge the issue. He faces it head-on, acknowledges the situation, and sets his sights forward.

Vladimir Petkovic put an end to speculation about the leeway given to players competing in the third tier of French football. "I had already tried to help Anthony Mandrea in the past, but I can’t do it now, especially since he’s playing in the third division of the French league." The statement served more as a warning than a condemnation.

Mandrea is open about it. "Of course, there’s disappointment. Over the past three years, I was called up to every squad. Now, yes, I’ve taken a hit. I understand what he’s saying. I respect him. It’s up to me to show that if I perform well in National, I give myself the chance to come back. Only my performances can make him change his mind."

On the pitch, his actions back up his words. Amid a turbulent start to the 2025-2026 campaign behind the scenes, the Caen shot-stopper has kept three clean sheets in seven matches and claims he’s found his stability again. The pecking order among goalkeepers at Malherbe was reset over the summer, clarifying the hierarchy. Mandrea seized his chance.

"I feel good, I’m happy. I enjoy training and matches, and I try to help the team every Friday as best I can. I’ve focused on myself and on what I can control. I ignored everything that was said about me last year. I’ve drawn a line under the past."

The Greens in his sights, high standards as his compass

The message couldn’t be clearer. This is no posturing, no plea for sympathy. The goalkeeper puts the national team in perspective, placing it behind weekly performance and consistency. The international window isn’t closed—it will open again if the numbers and consistency are there. With Algeria, Mandrea has caps and experience that allow him to aim for a medium-term return, provided he raises his level every weekend. His words reflect the method that has worked for him since August: put aside what’s out of your control, focus on repetition, efficiency, reading crosses, and commanding the box. Only at that price will this setback become a springboard. Algeria isn’t won in front of the microphone, it’s reclaimed under the floodlights and with decisive saves.

Read also: Official! A year out for a Liverpool signing