Brahim Hemdani was immediately challenged over his limited international career at his first news conference as Algeria manager.
The 48-year-old, who succeeded Vladimir Petkovic, had just announced a largely well-received squad featuring significant changes after the 2026 World Cup. But before he could be assessed on results, Hemdani was asked how he could persuade players to represent Algeria when he had once turned his back on the national team.
An Algerian journalist put the question directly: “As manager, how will you convince players to join the national team when, as a player yourself, you turned your back on the national team?”
Hemdani initially responded with a smile.
“That’s good, you’re direct. I like direct people,” he said.
The issue has followed him throughout his career. Hemdani played for clubs including Olympique de Marseille and Glasgow Rangers, but spent most of his time at the highest level without representing Algeria.
Although he had long been wanted by the national team, he did not make his international debut until 2008, when he was 30. His time with the Fennecs lasted only four appearances.
Hemdani did not attempt to revise that history.
“When you have a career, you make choices. I stand by my choices,” he said.
A different footballing climate
The circumstances of that period also shaped Hemdani’s decision. Algeria’s football and sporting infrastructure was in a much more difficult position in the early 2000s than it is today.
The Fennecs had been affected by the country’s wider instability during the “black decade” from 1992 to 2002. The civil war had repercussions across Algerian society, including sport and football.
That background does not remove the criticism, however. Other dual-national players from Hemdani’s generation, notably Djamel Belmadi, chose to represent Algeria despite the challenging conditions.
Hemdani did not seek to offer further justification.
“I experienced the highest level as a player, and I also played in high-stakes competitions. I want to be in this dressing room and build a collective force capable of achieving ambitious objectives,” he said.
He also acknowledged the scrutiny attached to his new role.
“You don’t accept this job unless you are ready to face the press and public pressure,” Hemdani said.
His first squad announcement has nevertheless received an initially positive response. Twelve players from the 2026 World Cup are absent, while several others have returned, giving immediate substance to the renewal he promised.
Hemdani stressed that no player had been permanently ruled out.
“Selection reflects a specific moment. Nobody has been discarded; performances alone will be the criteria,” he said.
Nor is he seeking universal approval.
“I am not trying to please everyone. What matters to me is building a strong relationship with my players and achieving positive results.”
After a difficult opening news conference, Hemdani’s position is clear: he accepts responsibility for his past and must now persuade Algeria through his work in the present.