“I am proud of being Algeria’s captain,” says Antar Yahia

Algeria’s new captain Antar Yahia said he is proud of leading the national team in their first match in the World Cup. “Yet, that will not distract me from the main objective which is victory,” he told Echorouk in an interview.

• How did you receive the decision to appoint you as the team’s captain instead of Yazid Mansouri?
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• I was sad for that. Mansouri is a distinguished player and he gave a lot to the national team. The World Cup is a dream for all of us. I was feeling what he felt but he is concentrated on the next match and he will be among us.
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• Don’t you see that the player was very touched?
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• Mansouri has a strong personality and he gave a lot to the Algerian football. We all respect him and everyone should respect him as well. Football does not mean to be ungrateful.
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• You will replace him in the team. Do you feel the responsibility burden?
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• I am proud to be the team’s captain especially in this world event. I also feel that heavy responsibility for representing my country.
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• Coach Saadane decided who will be playing in the World Cup matches. How do you expect that?
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• If the coach decided, he is the only one who knows that. It is true that there are clues about that through trainings. Every player who enters the match against Slovenia will be ready and will do his best to honour Algeria.
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• Coach talks about the match and says it is the will power game for you.
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• It is not the will power only. We have to give everything. We will play against a difficult and organised team.
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• How do you expect the match will be?
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• It will be difficult for both teams. We have many solutions. It is the same thing for the adversary. Yet, I know that the match will not be easy and we will do our best to make good results.
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• You seem confident. Are there positive clues?
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• I am confident because I am aware of our value. The positive clues are the return of all the players after the injuries series.
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• What can you say to the Algerian fans who are keeping up with everything about you?
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• I say to them we will be equal to our job and we will honour Algeria.