Rafik Saifi to Echorouk: “We will respond by scoring many goals in the World Cup”

Algeria’s team striker Rafik Saifi returned to trainings and asserted he is ready to participate in the World Cup. He expressed his desire to score many goals in the World Cup South Africa, especially after criticism against the Algerian team’s front line, denying that he will retire after the World Cup, as long as he has a contract with the UAE club Al Khour. 

• Echorouk: The last match proved that you are in good fitness.
• Rafik Saifi: I wish I would continue like that. I worked hard recently and I tried to improve my level as long as I adore football, this would help me show good performance.
• Echorouk: We observed the integration of new players in the team. How do you see the Desert Warriors’ coming days?
• Rafik Saifi: I do not see any difficulty for any new player to integrate in the team. All the condition are available to them, they just have to show good performance during the World Cup.
• Echorouk: How did you help the new players to integrate in the team?
• Rafik Saifi: There are no exceptional things; because being in Algeria’s team means you are in one family. I think any player who joins Algeria’s team in these conditions will never find a problem for quick integration with the rest of his teammates.
• Echorouk: Did you provide them with some advices?
• Rafik Saifi: I spoke to them. I asked them to play like in their clubs and make big efforts because it comes to playing for Algeria and we are in an important event.
• Echorou: Why were you late in joining the team?
• Rafik Saifi: I refused the adventure although I was ready in order to prepare for good performance before joining the team.
• Echorouk: Your beginning was strong in Esters, but everyone in waiting for this when you will play with Algeria’s team during the WC.
• Rafik Saifi: I wish I would be in my best physical conditions.
• Echorouk: What are the solutions for the problem of weak attack line in Algeria’s team days before the WC?
• Rafik Saifi: We are aware as players, and we are aiming through this training camp to be more affective in this line.
• Echorouk: Megheni’s injury made the event in the team training camp. Do you feel his suffering?
• Rafik Saifi: Megheni is a talented player, and I am sorry for him. The technical team can decide whether he will play or not in the WC. For me I wish he will play with us.
• Echorouk: What will be your feelings when you play a World Cup at 35?
• Rafik Saifi: To play a World Cup is an amazing experience for any player and everyone dreams of that. I feel proud and perhaps I was lucky at this age.
• Echorouk: Perhaps this is the opportunity to retire.
• Rafik Saifi: I did not think of it and do not know when I will do.
• Echorouk: What is your situation with your club in UAE?
• Rafik Saifi: I finished my contract with Esters French club, and I am ready to return to Al Khour in UAE because my contract runs for another season.
• Echorouk: Do you think of living in Algeria or returning to MCA?
• Rafik Saifi: I cannot see the future. These things remain unknown.
• Echorouk: How do you live your training camp?
• Rafik Saifi: I am either training or in the Hotel. We spent rare times talking with each other or calling our families.
• Echorouk: There is a match to support Palestine and you will represent the Arabs. What can you offer to our Palestinian brothers?

• Rafik Saifi: We are the only representatives of Arab nation; therefore, it is a hard task. Palestine and Gaza are always in our minds we will offer our victories during the WC to all Palestinians and we will seek to alleviate their grief and sorrow of all children in Gaza.