Algerian football boss: Rabah Madjer has our full confidence

by Graeme Jackson

Tuesday Apr 03, 2018. 17:00

Kheireddine Zetchi, the president of the Algerian Football Federation, has given his full backing to national team coach Rabah Madjer.

The veteran tactician has been under fire ever since succeeding Lucas Alcaraz as the Fennec Foxes coach in October last year, and the criticism reached a crescendo following Algeria’s 2-1 loss to Iran in a recent friendly.

Zetchi, who was present at a ceremony organised by the North African country’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, gave his full backing to Madjer and asked the media not to attack him personally.

"I can confirm that my trust in Madjer is total. He enjoys all our trust and support,” said Zetchi, as quoted by Le Buteur.

“The national team is in full reconstruction, so we must provide all the support to the coach. We last played two friendlies against Tanzania and Iran. There are positive things and negative things. I can also tell you that the national coach will review some things, it's clear.”

Zetchi went on to add that Madjer’s decision to remain away from press conferences until the end of the international window was because he felt under personal attack from the media.

"Madjer is very kind. I can even assure you that he is very respectful of the press. The national coach did not hold the point of press because he felt that he was attacked personally, something that none of us can abide,” said the Algeria FF boss.

“Do not affect people in their self-esteem or in their personality. You have to respect people and that's the least you can do. We must stop so that we can open a new page.”