Abdelkader Alaifawi to Echorouk: “I will do my best to participate with Algeria’s WC squadâ€
Abdelkader Alaifawi during the training camp in Crans Montana
ES Setif club defender Abdelkader Alaifawi said he does not fear competition and will all his best to participate in WC South Africa. He hoped to give a good image of a local player through showing a good performance during WC matches, since he is the only player along with three goalkeepers to represent the Algerian championship.
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- You are the only local player in the Algerian team, apart from three goalkeepers. What are your feelings?
- I think that I have to do my best to show a good image of the Algerian local player.
- You participated in many training camps with the Algerian team during the playoffs, but you were always accompanied by your local teammates. How can you describe the atmosphere of training without them?
- I have no problem with the international teammates. We are one family, but I feel sorry the players who are not here with us and who made the joy of Algerians, but this is football game and the coach is the only one who can select the players for Algerian WC squad.
- Coach Rabah Saadane summoned eight defenders. Do you fear competition, especially since they play in strong European Championships?
- Frankly, I do not fear competition. I am a player like any other players and I think there is no difference between a local and an international player, so I am ready to compete for playing with the Algerian WC squad.
- Coach Rabah Saadane asserted he would not abandon a defender or midfielder. What can you say about it?
- Saadane knows what to do and I cannot comment on it.
- You already attend a training camp with ES Setif club in the highest of a French city. Do you think trainings in highlands will be useful for the Algerian team before moving to South Africa?
- Of course, when we trained in highlands we did a remarkable season and we did not feel tired. It is a good thing. I think that Coach Rabah Saadane did a good choice, because trainings in Crans Montana will enable us to cope with the highlands in South Africa.
- Your club ES Setif is struggling for the first class Algerian championship. Do you think you are able to win the title of the current season?
- I think so; ES Setif will play against MC Algiers in eight May stadium, as we have a late match against Olympic Chlef. My teammates must not waste any point if they want to win.
- Did you think of changing destination after WC?
- I received some offers from Europe and Gulf countries, but I do not think of this currently because I am focusing on the WC matches, I will decide after it. I will either stay in ES Setif or play for a European club.