Belmadi happy with Algeria's progress ahead of AFCON

by Staff Reporter

Friday May 17, 2019. 12:00

Algeria head coach Djamel Belmadi says his side has improved in the last eight months.

The Desert Foxes are set to participate in the upcoming 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Egypt.

The Algerian tactician discusses his team with BEIN Sports as the Desert Foxes looked to clinch their second AFCON title.

"We've been working together for eight months. But it's not eight full months like in a club. There, eight months is the equivalent of four, five, FIFA dates," Belmadi said.

"It's about a month of work adding up the workouts. And it is in these repeated training sessions that we improve and develop a team.

"We are in the process of recovery we will say. We were not sick, but when we lose against Saudi Arabia, Iran, Cape Verde, there is a real concern," he added.

"It was our case not so long ago. I was not that surprised but I still imagined the harm a little less deep.

"I was not surprised because I know the ins and outs of what surrounds the national team. I know inside how it went because I know the world. There's work."

Algeria are in Group C alongside Kenya, Tanzania and Senegal. Egypt will host the tournament between June 21 and July 19.