Algeria's former coach Rabah Saadane (Photo: AFP)
After coach Benchikha left, Algeria Football Federation (AFF) chairman Mohamed Raouraoua asked former national team coach Rabeh Saadan to lead the team in the remaining games of the 2012 CAF champions league, but the latter refused the offer.
“I don’t have enough time to lead the team and achieve what the Algerian fans demand,” Saadan was quoted as saying by Al-Shorouk newspaper.
“I will return to coach the team again, but not now because of the current atmosphere with the Algerian players” he added.
The North Africa giants’ coach Abdelhak Benchikha stood down from his post following the crushing 4-0 defeat at the hands of arch rivals Morocco earlier this month.
The 65-year old tactician led the Algerian national team from 2007 until 2010, steering them to the semi-finals of the 2010 African Cup of Nations for the first time since 1990 and to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, breaking a 24-year wait.
Saadan tendered his resignation as leader of the Algeria national team in September 2010, a day after the team's disappointing 1-1 home draw against Tanzania in a 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifier.
After stepping down from the Algerian post, Yemen Football Association appointed Saadan to lead the national team until 2014.
Algeria faces stiff competition in Group D of the 2012 ACN, as they are in the bottom of the group with four points, three behind Morocco, the group’s leader.
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