Hichem Bouaoud Tells Dzair Tube Criticism of Algeria’s National Team During World Cup Is “Not Innocent” and Should Not Be Aired Through Foreign Media

Hichem Bouaoud Tells Dzair Tube Criticism of Algeria’s National Team During World Cup Is “Not Innocent” and Should Not Be Aired Through Foreign Media

By Dr. Hana Saada

ALGIERS – Algerian football analyst and former football executive Hichem Bouaoud has criticised the timing and nature of recent public attacks on Algeria’s national football team, arguing that criticism directed at the squad, head coach Vladimir Petković, and the Algerian Football Federation during the FIFA World Cup campaign serves interests unrelated to football and risks undermining the national team.

Speaking to Dzair Tube, Bouaoud said criticism following Algeria’s defeat to world champions Argentina lacked perspective and ignored the significant difference in experience and competitive pedigree between the two sides.

“It is neither logical nor realistic to expect Algeria to defeat the reigning world champions simply because supporters aspire to victory,” he said. “Argentina has won the World Cup, participated in numerous editions, and possesses a footballing tradition that cannot be overlooked.”

Bouaoud argued that Algeria’s principal achievement had already been secured by qualifying for the World Cup after a twelve-year absence, adding that expectations should remain grounded in sporting reality rather than emotion.

He said Algeria’s realistic objectives were to compete strongly against teams of comparable level and pursue qualification for the knockout stage rather than measure success solely through matches against the world’s elite.

“The National Team Must Remain Above Personal Agendas”

Bouaoud warned against what he described as attempts to exploit the national team’s participation in the World Cup to settle personal disputes or institutional disagreements.

According to him, criticism has increasingly shifted away from technical football analysis toward personal attacks and political positioning within Algerian football.

“The interests of the national team should always come before individual interests,” he said. “There is no room for personal rivalries or score-settling while Algeria is competing on the world’s biggest football stage.”

He added that the team’s overall performance should be assessed only after the conclusion of the tournament, allowing a comprehensive evaluation rather than reactions driven by individual results.

Calls for Constructive Rather Than Destructive Debate

Bouaoud expressed concern over increasingly negative media narratives surrounding the national team.

He argued that some commentators focus exclusively on shortcomings while ignoring the broader progress achieved under the current coaching staff.

According to Bouaoud, constructive criticism remains essential in football but should be delivered responsibly and at an appropriate time without creating unnecessary instability around the squad during major international competition.

Petković Brings the Personality Algeria Needed

Bouaoud also defended head coach Vladimir Petković, rejecting claims made by certain former internationals that Algeria lacks a clear footballing identity under the current manager.

He criticised remarks delivered by a former Algerian international during an interview with a foreign television channel, describing such comments as inappropriate while the national team remains engaged in the World Cup.

“It is not appropriate to make such statements through foreign media while Algeria is representing the country internationally,” Bouaoud said.

He praised Petković’s management philosophy, arguing that the coach selects players according to current form and merit rather than reputation or seniority.

“For me, Petković has introduced exactly the kind of personality the national team needed,” he said. “He does not make decisions based on names. He chooses players capable of contributing on the pitch.”

Bouaoud added that successful national teams constantly renew their squads rather than relying indefinitely on veteran players simply because of their past achievements.

Media Should Guide Rather Than Polarise Public Opinion

Bouaoud further argued that sections of the Algerian media have moved away from objective football analysis and increasingly contribute to public polarisation.

He said journalists, analysts and former players have a responsibility to provide balanced technical assessments rather than amplify negativity for the sake of controversy.

“Supporters naturally react emotionally,” he said. “But analysts and journalists should provide perspective, not fuel unnecessary hostility.”

While stressing that every coach should remain open to criticism, Bouaoud maintained that timing remains essential and that major tournaments require unity around the national team.

Current Squad Represents Algeria’s Best Available Talent

Responding to criticism of player selection, Bouaoud rejected suggestions that Algeria possesses significantly stronger alternatives than the current squad.

He argued that some critics demand the return of ageing players while simultaneously calling for greater youth development, describing those positions as contradictory.

According to Bouaoud, the current generation reflects the strongest available group of players capable of representing Algeria at the highest level.

He urged supporters to enjoy the team’s participation in the World Cup and postpone broader debates regarding technical or administrative issues until after the tournament concludes.

Experience Remains Essential in Football Administration

Bouaoud also commented on recent administrative appointments within Algerian club football, expressing reservations about the immediate success of newly appointed officials entering executive positions for the first time.

While wishing them success, he argued that football management requires extensive practical experience beyond academic qualifications or media expertise.

Drawing on his own experience working alongside prominent administrators since 2008, Bouaoud said effective football governance demands years of field experience managing relations with players, supporters, coaches, referees and the media.

He cited recent disciplinary issues involving CR Belouizdad official Jaber Naamoune as an example of how practical experience shapes decision-making, arguing that formal institutional procedures remain more effective than emotional public reactions.

Bouaoud concluded by emphasising that football administration is a profession learned through continuous practical experience, stressing that even after many years working inside Algerian football, he continues to regard himself as someone still learning the complexities of club management.