Algeria national team: Vladimir Petkovic leaves the Fennecs

A new change is on the horizon at the helm of the Algerian national team. According to several reliable sources, including La Gazette du Fennec and Le Soir d'Algérie (LSA), Vladimir Petkovic and the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) have reached a mutual agreement to end their collaboration. An official announcement is expected in the coming days.

According to Le Soir d'Algérie, a meeting between FAF president Walid Sadi and the Swiss coach resulted in an amicable termination of the contract, which was originally set to run until 2028. Vladimir Petkovic is said to have explained that he no longer had the necessary conditions to continue his mission with peace of mind, in an increasingly tense environment for himself, his staff, and the players.

The agreement includes compensation equivalent to three months' salary for the head coach and his technical staff. Both parties opted for a clean, dispute-free separation.

An overall positive record despite a tough ending

Appointed in February 2024 to succeed Djamel Belmadi, Vladimir Petkovic leaves behind a respectable statistical record. In 39 matches, he led the Fennecs to 24 victories, 9 draws, and 6 defeats, boasting a win rate of over 61%.

Under his leadership, Algeria regained a measure of stability after several turbulent years. The Fennecs reached the quarter-finals of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco before securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup—a first World Cup appearance since 2014. At the tournament, Algeria advanced from the group stage before being knocked out in the round of 16 by Switzerland (0-2).

Despite that exit, the FAF had extended his contract through July 2028, at the time praising the "remarkable results" achieved since his arrival. However, tensions that emerged after the World Cup ultimately led to an early split.

A coach with a proven track record

Before taking charge of Algeria, Vladimir Petkovic had built a solid reputation on European benches. Having managed clubs such as Bellinzona, Lugano, Young Boys, Samsunspor, Sion, and Lazio Rome, he notably won the 2012-2013 Coppa Italia with the Roman side.

His greatest achievement came during his tenure as Switzerland's head coach from 2014 to 2021. He led the Nati at two World Cups and Euro 2020, making headlines by eliminating France in the round of 16 before falling to Spain on penalties in the quarter-finals.

FAF favors the Spanish school

According to La Gazette du Fennec, the Federation is already working on its next head coach. The National Technical College is set to review several applications, with a clear preference for a coach from the Spanish school, whose playing philosophy is considered better suited to the technical qualities of Algeria's internationals.

After leading the Fennecs back to the World Cup and restoring results worthy of their status, Vladimir Petkovic now leaves Algeria on a bittersweet note. The FAF now hopes to open a new chapter that will bring the 2019 African champions closer to the continent’s elite.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

Related teams and leagues

Algeria