It was a slightly on edge Djamel Belmadi who appeared before the press this Sunday.
The coach of Algeria struggled to contain his annoyance when discussing the case of certain binational players who favored France to the detriment of the selection of the Fennecs.
This is the case for example of the Lyonnais Houssem Aouar who decided to play for the Blues while the Algerian Federation was making eyes at him.
“They all know that they could have been a contribution to the Algerian team.
They have all been contacted.
They have families, who have done nothing.
Houssem Aouar for example, he knew everything.
There are plenty of the same.
Good players, I want them, ”said the former OM midfielder.
During this same press conference, Djamel Belmadi returned to the Andy Delort case which caused a stir at the start of the season.
The OGC Nice striker, Algerian international since 2019, had expressed his desire to put the selection on hold for a year, in order to focus on his club.
Statements that had provoked the ire of Belmadi.
“When everything is settled, the gentleman comes back like a little bride”, he denounced at the time in the program “Rothen ignites” on RMC.
It is precisely in this program that the subject came back on the table.
Last Wednesday, it was on this antenna that the former Montpellier striker indicated that he had not given up on the selection.
"With us, there is no Zorro"
Enough to make Djamel Belmadi react, who however assured that he had “nothing personal” against Andy Delort: “He is someone I appreciate.
Those who say it's personal are not being honest.
The Algerian national team does not belong to me, I guarantee it for the moment”.
No flashy statements, but no outstretched hands either.
The boss of the Fennecs did not seem in a hurry to reinstate the 2019 African champion in his workforce.
“It is serious to give so much attention.
He made a decision, we took note of it, we move forward.
It would have been the same if it was Riyad Mahrez (…) it was he who preferred to take a one-year break.
Besides, it's only been 5 months, with us there is no Zorro”.
Eliminated in the first round of CAN 2021, disputed in January 2022, Algeria will now try to win its ticket for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
This will require overcoming Cameroon in a double confrontation to be held at the end of March.
It will probably be without Andy Delort.