Before continuing its search for a replacement for Vladimir Petkovic, the Algerian Football Federation took the liberty of sounding out Xavi Hernandez.
According to La Gazzette du Fennec, the former FC Barcelona coach was among the top candidates considered by the Fennecs officials.
The goal was to entrust the national team to a renowned coach capable of injecting new energy following the disappointment of the 2026 World Cup.
Xavi’s prestige made him a prime candidate, both from a sporting and media perspective.
However, the deal never really took shape. The financial terms demanded by the Spanish coach were well beyond the FAF’s means. After initial contact, Algerian officials therefore decided to abandon that option.
The Federation remains committed to its original plan, however. It still intends to hire a Spanish coach and is preparing to review several candidates before naming the future head coach of the Fennecs.
