As captain of the national team, historic passer (37 goals), second best scorer (37 goals), second most capped player in the EN (111 matches), Riyad Mahrez has a certain proximity with coach Vladimir Petkovic which his international CV gives him. Could this go so far as to interfere in technical choices? Mahrez insisted, during CAN 2025, that Petkovic was the sole master on board in this area. However, on the set of El Heddaf TV, it is claimed that the Algeria – Nigeria match saw the “number 7” of the Greens exceed his prerogatives. Which would have created tensions.
We see it in many matches where coaches and selectors interact with their trusted player. Especially to definitively make certain decisions. So, during the match DR Congo – Algeria in 1/8 finalwe saw Petkovic et Mahrez discuss. This was before the decisive entry into play ofFair Boulbina. The latter scored the winning goal.
Mahrez had already denied any influence
After the meeting, the former member of Manchester City was questioned at the scene. He left the credit to his driver for this coaching by saying: “I did not influence his entry, it was the coach’s choice. However, we need to help young people and guide them.” The words of the ex-Citizen were lucid knowing everything that can be said around the grip of Petkovic and his ability to decide alone.
Moreover, the defeat and elimination against the Nigerians in the next round gave rise to “revelations” on this subject. Indeed, on the set ofEl Heddaf TVwe talk about “interference” in coaching. Feeling, on the pitch, that the team was not in place, Mahrez would have “advised” to Petkovic to bring in Belaïd et Bounedjah with the idea of changing the setup upon resumption.
No discomfort was detected
With zero changes after returning from the locker room,IN conceded a goal from the restart before conceding the break shortly before the hour mark. Mahrez, Zerrouki et Men gave up their places. Without feeling any discomfort between the coach and his captain. All this does not support the version told.
Furthermore, in the past, Petkovic also meant that the native of Teals has a special place in his plans. “there are not many players who are at the same level as Mahrez. I am obliged to discuss with him more, because he is captain and he gave more for Algeria,” released the successor of Djamel Belmadi just before the continental mass. Therefore, it is a little difficult to imagine the scene. Especially when it talks about dispossessing Mahrez of his armband which he wore 61 covers in 111 appearances a few months from the 2026 World Cup.
