AFCON-Winning Coach Belmadi Calls Pundits “Criminals”

Algeria’s gaffer Djamel Belmadi has attacked TV pundits over what he calls their stinging attack on his players.

Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez, Adlene Guedioura, Monaco new signing Islam Slimani and Aissa Mandi of Real Betis have all been singled out for criticism recently.

Calling the derides unfair, Belmadi did not spare the pundits, most of whom are former Algeria internationals, accusing them of being responsible for the troubles of The Desert Foxes the previous years.

“I am talking about some private television stations who go about disrespecting some players without a reason. These people have to apologise. They have done more damage to the players in general and the national team,” he said.

Challenging the retired players-turned TV football pundits, Djamel said: “I will ask them to come to the field and select their team and make it win like Barcelona. I call them criminals of the media. I do not want to mention their names. I will ask them to stop this hypocrisy. They will say one thing and the next minute it is the opposite.”

Algeria faces Benin this Friday in an exhibition in what will be their first game since scooping the Africa Cup of Nations title in Egypt.