“Do not talk about Zidane anymore. »» The demand fell at a press conference this Thursday, surprising more than one observer. A call to leave a player quiet, whose name is particularly resonated in Algerian football.
Petkovic Protects Luca Zidane
It was Vladimir Petkovic, coach of Algeria, who launched this call concerning Luca Zidane, son of Zinedine, summoned for the first time with the Fennecs. “When you repeat too often the name of a player, when you are behind him, it's not good. Because it can give a negative influence ”explained the Swiss technician, trying to put a brake on the emerging controversy around the 27 -year -old goalkeeper.
The summons of the son of the French legend, who chose to represent Algeria after having worn the tricolor colors in young teams, divides. Its recent statistics with Granada (10 goals conceded in 4 games) fuel criticism. But Petkovic fully assumes : “If I summoned it, it is because it deserves it. We have been following him for a very long time and I am convinced that with his characteristics, he can bring us other qualities. »»
Petkovic: “Stop talking about Luca Zidane”
A coach impermeable to criticism
Petkovic's message is twofold: justifying your choice and creating a protective shield around Luca Zidane. “I want to broaden the possibilities in this position”, he explains, inscribing this invitation in a logic of healthy competition. As for external criticism, he sweeps them away with irony: “I think I have demonstrated since I am here that I am influenced”before adding more seriously: ” I have a little character. »»
This media outing reveals the pressure that already surrounds the young goalkeeper even before his first gathering. By explicitly asking for less talking about “Zidane”, Petkovic hopes to offer Luca the space necessary to focus on the field. It is now up to him to transform this confidence into performance to silence skeptics.
