Discipline, cohesion, authority: the challenges awaiting Hemdani within the Greens
The new coach needed just one match to implement his policy. On Saturday, the Algerian Football Federation announced the departure of the Manchester City defender in a brief statement.
However, this decision goes beyond just the player's case. It highlights the method that Hemdani plans to apply to a squad weakened by failure at the World Cup.
Two warm-ups, no minutes in Tizi Ouzou
On Friday night, at the Hocine Aït-Ahmed Stadium, the Greens comfortably defeated Zambia 3-1. On the sidelines, Aït-Nouri prepared to enter the game twice. Each time, he ultimately returned to the bench. The defender could not hide his frustration at this decision. His visible reaction from the stands sealed his fate.
Hemdani was counting on him. On September 17, he included him in the squad of 26 players called up from September 21 to October 6. This gathering marks the beginning of his tenure.
Also read: Rayan Aït Nouri excluded from the Greens after his outburst against Zambia
Discipline among the Greens: the rule announced before kickoff
The new coach of the Greens clearly established his conditions from the outset, succeeding Vladimir Petkovic. Aware of the reputation of certain players, he set a clear limit: “In the future, if a player stands out for inappropriate behavior, we will make the necessary decisions.”
After the match, however, he refused to publicize his player in front of journalists. “I do not wish to address a personal case. Our mission here is to serve the national team and defend its interests. Nothing else,” he replied.
In the same intervention, he reaffirmed his position. “If an abnormal situation were to occur, whether in the club or in the national team, we would take appropriate measures,” the coach added. The staff therefore managed the matter internally before the FAF made it public.
Behavioral issues beyond the game
The incident on Friday fits into a broader context. In addition to the technical and tactical shortcomings revealed at the World Cup, the daily life of the group also showed signs of disunity.
Some players were no longer even speaking to each other. Others sometimes abused Bluetooth headsets, and individual behaviors multiplied. Gradually, these deviations affected the team's cohesion. That is why the staff wants to address these issues with the same rigor as the sporting aspect.
The staff, sole master of decisions
By targeting a Manchester City player, Hemdani demonstrates that notoriety does not confer any privilege. The rules apply equally to an experienced player and a newcomer.
Moreover, the coach wants to make the CTN a place where everyone feels at home, in mutual respect. This requirement particularly concerns the new call-ups, whom he wants to integrate into a calm atmosphere.
Hemdani is leading this initiative with Anthar Yahia, a member of the new coaching staff. However, his decision has sparked mixed opinions, between supporters of a strict approach and advocates of a more discreet management.
Also read: Hemdani – Ait-Nouri: altercation during the Algeria-Zambia match
Mahrez, benched against Argentina without protest
Aït-Nouri's attitude contrasts with a recent precedent. For Algeria's first World Cup match against Lionel Messi's Argentina, Petkovic placed Riyad Mahrez on the bench.
The captain accepted this choice without complaint. During the match, he even joined the technical area to encourage his teammates and give them instructions. This tournament was, however, his last appointment with the national team.
120 caps, over 70 armbands, no contestation
African champion in 2019, Mahrez has 120 caps, including over 70 as captain. Despite this record, he aligned himself behind his coach's decision.
Aït-Nouri knows this player well, having played alongside him in the Greens. Thus, the contrast between their reactions fuels the reflection on the future without Mahrez.
Discipline among the Greens: the training camp continues until October 6
Hemdani took over from Petkovic after Algeria's failure at the World Cup. This campaign highlighted technical and tactical deficiencies. However, the coach also considers collective behavior a priority, a project that will require time.
The gathering continues without Aït-Nouri until October 6. Until then, the staff is working with the rest of the squad.
Also read: Contract, duration, objective: what the FAF expects from Brahim Hemdani
More from this section
Following Ait-Nouri, a new disciplinary incident has erupted within the U23 team.
Amine Gouiri suffers an injury: the Algeria forward withdraws from the trip to Burundi.
Rayan Aït Nouri dropped from the Greens following his outburst against Zambia.
Hemdani – Ait-Nouri: confrontation during the Algeria-Zambia match
Salaries: 6 teams in Ligue 1 Mobilis exceed the threshold set by the FAF, with CR Belouizdad in first place.
