Algerian coach Djamel Belmadi reacted to criticism of his star player, Riyad Mahrez.
Algeria got off to a bad start in the CAN, drawing against the modest selection of Angola (1-1). Among the reasons given for this semi-failure by the media is the seesaw performance of Riyad Mahrez.
Belmadi not worried about Mahrez
The Algerian captain was indeed very average during this game. Since then, criticism has fallen on him. Some are particularly acidic, including from French media. Attacks capable of disturbing him for the rest of the ordeal, but he nevertheless remains indifferent to them. And it is his coach Djamel Belmadi himself who affirms this.
Before the second match, scheduled for Saturday against Burkina Faso, the Algerian technician assured that his star was impervious to external spikes. “ The criticisms of Riyad Mahrez are not new. In 2019, he was also criticized. I don’t listen to journalists. Mahrez is the European champion. He doesn’t even listen to criticism. We are focused on the team, the match. »
⚽⚽#بلماضي لصحفيين: لا يمكننا البكاء دائما على الماضي وما حدث في 2021.. هذه هي كرة القدم#كان #كان_2023#أمم_إفريقيا_2023#CAN2023#DesertWarriors#TeamDZ pic.twitter.com/XfcxADUj5I
— Ennahar Tv النهار (@ennaharonline) January 19, 2024
Also asked about the fact that his team was not impactful enough on the right side, the one occupied by Mahrez, Belmadi mentioned a simple combination of circumstances. “We used to have a real balance in attack on the sides. The opponent can also be good on one side. Then, on the left, there are automations. Perhaps our right side was less inspired.”
Burkina, a “not crucial match”
Finally, Belmadi also reiterated his optimism that his selection will bounce back. And qualifying through the back door doesn’t bother him at all. “Even the third in the group can qualify. Tomorrow it will be an important match but not crucial.”
