The Algeria Football Federation appears to be shifting its focus away from Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle in its search for a new national team manager, with former Watford assistant Karim Belhocine emerging as the leading candidate to succeed Vladimir Petkovic.
Reports had linked Chelle with the Algeria job following the Desert Foxes' exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, although the Nigeria coach has not publicly expressed interest in the role.
Petkovic remains Algeria’s head coach, but his future is under increasing scrutiny after the team's World Cup elimination. The Algerian Football Federation is expected to review his position at an upcoming executive meeting, with preparations for a possible managerial change reportedly already underway.
Belhocine has emerged as the frontrunner after impressing federation officials with his coaching pedigree and deep understanding of Algerian football.
The 48-year-old French-Algerian recently took charge of Algerian Ligue 1 side JS Kabylie after successful coaching spells in Belgium, where he served as assistant and caretaker manager at Anderlecht, managed Charleroi and KV Kortrijk, and later worked as an assistant coach at Watford.
According to Algerian outlet El Khabar, Belhocine's UEFA Pro Licence, tactical expertise and experience in both European and Algerian football have made him the federation's preferred option should they decide to part ways with Petkovic.
