Gustavo Poyet was a candidate to succeed Vladimir Petković as coach of the Algerian national team in the summer of 2026. Regarding the process, Poyet stated: "تحدّثت مع مسؤولين في اتحاد الكرة الجزائري، وأخبروني بِأنني ضمن القائمة النهائية للمدربين المرشحين. وبعد البدء في مناقشة الجوانب المالية، اعتقدت أن الأمور تسير بِشكل جيّد لِصالحي، لكنني أدركت لاحقا أنني لست المرشح الوحيد. كنت متحمّسا جدا لهذه الفرصة، وبدأت بِالفعل في متابعة كرة القدم الجزائرية والمنتخب الوطني عن كثب، كما شرعت في دراسة تفاصيل جدول المقابلات القادمة، لكن في النهاية، لم تُبرم الصفقة." He added: "لقد قرّروا (مسؤولو “الفاف”) الاعتماد على خيار محلي. لا بأس في ذلك، وأنا أشكرهم على التفكير في شخصي. أجريت مفاوضات طيّبة مع مسؤولي اتحاد الكرة الجزائري، وكان هذا العرض أحد المقترحات الجدّية القليلة التي تلقّيتها فعليا في الصيف الماضي."
Poyet Discusses Selection Process
The Algerian Football Federation concluded its search for a new head coach by appointing Ibrahim Hamdani to the position. This decision finalized the transition for the national team following the tenure of Vladimir Petković. The federation communicated that the decision to hire a local coach like Ibrahim Hamdani was a strategic choice for the future of the national program. The appointment of Ibrahim Hamdani marks a significant shift in the leadership structure of the Algerian national team.
Gustavo Poyet, who is 58 years old, remains a professional manager with extensive experience in international football. His career has been marked by various stints in different footballing environments, contributing to his tactical approach to the game. Before his engagement with the selection process in Algeria, he served as the head coach of the Greek national team. He held that position for two years, overseeing the squad from 2022 until 2024. During his tenure with the Greek national team, Gustavo Poyet worked to organize the side through several qualification cycles.
Professional transitions have defined his recent career, as Gustavo Poyet has been without a coaching role since late May 2026. This status followed his departure from Al-Khaleej Saudi Club, where he concluded his contract in Saudi Arabia. His coaching resume includes various roles across European clubs, including previous work in England, Spain, and France, prior to his time in the Middle East.
The process of finding a successor to Vladimir Petković was an extensive one for the Algerian Football Federation. Throughout the summer of 2026, the federation evaluated several candidates, including Gustavo Poyet, to determine who would best fit the needs of the national team. While Gustavo Poyet was considered a serious contender, the final determination to move forward with Ibrahim Hamdani was made by the officials at the federation.
Gustavo Poyet continues to evaluate his options for his next managerial role. Having gained experience in multiple countries and at the international level with the Greek national team, he remains a figure of interest in the global coaching market. His time at Al-Khaleej Saudi Club provided him with further exposure to football outside of Europe, diversifying his professional portfolio. As he looks toward the future, the 58-year-old manager remains focused on his next opportunity in the sport, reflecting on the lessons learned during his time in the selection process with the Algerian Football Federation.
