Exclusive: Rabah Saadane to Echorouk; “I will disclose the final list after returning from Ireland. The best will win in Group C”
Algeria coach Rabah Saadane says the best will win in the Group C
Algerian coach Rabah Saadane preferred to be the host and not the guest and provided Echorouk with exclusive statements.
- For the first time Coach Rabah Saadane talked about the real reasons behind choosing the list of players to participate in the World Cup, as well as personal and secret reasons about the Desert Warriors.
- : Everyone is wondering for the list of 25 players you chose. Why did you refuse to justify such a choice?
- There are no reasons to justify my choices; the list is the product of a hard work. I took days and nights before identifying it according to certain criteria based on searching for the best men in the right positions.
- There are critics about certain choices.
- Before we announce the list, we prepared certain criteria, including technical. We tried to use justice and fairness while selecting players away from emotions and personal tendencies. We focused on selecting the best players who are ready physically and technically for a best team with a focus on other considerations concerning the future of Algeria’s squad.
- What are those considerations?
- We tried to search for the best elements without neglecting the young ones this is why we invited five or six new players who have received more experience in anticipation of the next World Cups.
- This means that choosing young players is behind excluding others who contributed in the qualification of Algeria’s team to the World Cup like Zaoui and Rahou….?
- I send my sincere greetings to those players who have greatly contributed in our qualification to the World Cup. They were generous and did their best to raise Algerian flag higher. I think they received financial and moral support by Algerian President and will be invited to travel with us to South Africa. The technical choices are mine as the first responsible for the team. I take responsibility for all choices.
- Algerian fans reduced their optimism and became tempted by doubts since the weak performance before Serbia. Could you reassure them days before World Cup?
- That match came in very difficult circumstances. We cannot consider it a model for the current team. Things will be different in the World Cup, so I think authorities provide assistance. We will work hard in the training camp. Thanks Allah, we looked forward to qualify for World Cup in the past, and now we are among 32 best teams in the world. Therefore, let us get rid of pessimism.
- Did you expect such an amazing achievement?
- Rabah Saadane: Before qualifying, I did not expect this at all, but we have worked hard to achieve our objective, perhaps my assistant Zouheir Djelloul was more optimistic, when he used to say every time that he smell World Cup. Thanks Allah.
- Tell us about your daily activities after reaching the goal.
- I live terrible pressure in the street. Cannot even do some shopping or visit my family. Every time I found myself surrounded by numbers of fans, who ask me to take pictures. Frankly, I feel embarrassed because of all that.
- But, this is the result of success.
- Rabah Saadane: I realize it, but it makes me feel very tired and pushes me to hid most of the time.
- May be this could lead to think of leaving the Algerian team?
- I don not decide yet. I prefer waiting until the end of World Cup.
- When will you announce on the final list?
- I took the decision of consulting the technical team before selecting 23 players after the match against South Ireland.
- : Aren’t you afraid of injuries during the strong confrontation?
- injuries are part of football game. We as Muslims must believe in faith. I have no accounts for this side.
- Do you have an idea about the Algerian squad to play in World Cup?
- No, I do not like to bring prior ideas. I will see the available possibilities, therefore, I think the match against UAE will show the basic squad. I will not speak about the eleven players until June 6.
- What is your opinion about the match against England?
- We have eleven players and they have eleven players. The best will inevitably win.