Riyad Mahrez does not appear on the first list unveiled by Vladimir Petkovic, the new Algeria coach. A major renewal is carried out after the departure of Djamel Belmadi.
The verdict is in! Appointed a few weeks ago as Algeria’s new coach, Vladimir Petkovic unveiled his very first list, for the friendly matches against Bolivia and South Africa, as part of the Fifa Series.
The former coach of the Girondins de Bordeaux thought wide by calling up no less than 31 players, including several new ones like Mohamed Amine-Madani (CS Constantine), Monsef Bakrar (New York City), Anis Hadj Moussa (Vitesse) and especially Rafik Guitane (Estoril), newly selectable.
Mahrez not in the list
We will also note several returns, such as those of Badreddine Bouanani (Lorient) or Yacine Brahimi (Al-Gharafa). But overall, the start of Petkovic’s mandate is marked by the seal of renewal, since many executives from the Belmadi era are absent, such as Yacine Belaili, Islam Slamini and Sofiane Feghouli.
Finally, there is the Riyad Mahrez case. The former Manchester City player is not in this Petkovic list, but that was expected. According to certain Algerian media, the native of Sarcelles has asked not to be summoned, and is in deep reflection on his international future.
