Targeted by criticism since the start of the African Cup of Nations, Riyad Mahrez received public support on Monday from his coach, Djamel Belmadi.
Djamel Belmadi is a busy man. Since the start of the African Cup of Nations which is currently being held in Ivory Coast, the Algerian coach has been on all fronts to try to put out several fires. Firstly that caused by the particularly disappointing performances of Fennecs who failed to win in their first two matches and who find themselves with their backs against the wall with the obligation to win on Tuesday against Mauritania to avoid a disaster scenario, synonymous with elimination in the first round . Like two years ago. Then, because the Algerian tactician must defend Riyad Mahrez far from his usual standards, in terms of performance. This Monday, Djamel Belmadi stepped up to the plate again.
As he did after the match against Burkina Faso (2-2), Belmadi wanted to express his frank support for his captain this Monday at a press conference. “ I don’t want anyone to forget what Riyadh can do. Yes, I agree and it’s a fact, the last two games were not his best with the national team. But don’t kill him too quickly. Two months ago he was European champion. » And the forty-seven year old man added: “ Riyad Mahrez is an experienced player. In his career, he had to experience even more complicated situations. We feel confident and we always have confidence in our captain. »
Possible replacement
On the eve of the crucial match against Bertrand Traoré and his Burkinabe teammates, Djamel Belmadi, however, left doubts surrounding his decision vis-à-vis Riyad Mahrez. “ He could start, he could come on. No matter, he’s our captain, we know what he can do. (…) I have complete confidence in him. »
