Sofiane Hanni: Algeria Snub Hurts

Algeria’s Sofiane Hanni says being overlooked for national selection is hurting and frustrating.

The France-born attacking midfielder last featured for Algeria in the Desert Foxes’ preparatory 2-1 defeat to Iran, a game he got hauled off in after just 33 minutes.

The erstwhile Anderlecht skipper has not been into the squad since then, getting overlooked in the losses to Saudi Arabia, Republic of Cape Verde and Portugal.

His relationship with former coach Mustapha Rabah Madjer was said to be at low ebb.

And sharing his reaction over his repeated snubbing, the 27-year-old says he finds it hurting giving he was a regular for the set up.

“It always hurts not to be selected especially since I was regularly selected. It hurts me because since I joined the squad two years ago, this is the first time they have not called me. It’s not easy to accept it, it’s like a World Cup, it’s always hard and frustrating to see your country or your teammates play without being on the ground to help them.

‘As a player, it’s always a painful thing to live with but it’s like that. Whatever happens, I remain available for selection. The coach makes his choices, a thing I must respect. The most important thing is for the National Team to return to the matches,” he said, gearing up for the Europa League qualifiers with Spartak Moscow.

For Sofiane to mount a return with Desert Foxes, the vacant coaching role first needs to be filled.

Mustapha Rabah Madjer was sacked as coach after strings of unprepossessing runs with Nigeria’s Gernot Rohr now reportedly tipped to be his replacement.