2024-01-19 20:34:42
From hero to outcast, there is only one step. Monday January 15, after the draw conceded by Algeria against Angola (1-1) for its entry into the 2024 African Cup of Nations, the cameras turned on a man. With his armband around his biceps, Riyad Mahrez seemed stunned. Raised to the rank of God by the Algerian people in July 2019, after the CAN won, the captain of the Fennecs became unloved. Both on social networks and on TV sets, criticism fell on the 32-year-old winger.
Criticism also concerned Djamel Belmadi, his coach, accused of having left Riyad Mahrez on the field for 90 minutes. “I don’t understand Belmadi’s logic in keeping him despite his disastrous performance. Mahrez should have been replaced. He needs an electric shock,” declared former Egyptian international Mohamed Aboutrika on the set of BeIN Sports Middle East. “We should have played Ounas in his place on the right. I understand that Belmadi has a special relationship with Mahrez, but Algeria’s interest must come first. »
Comments to which the Fennecs coach was quick to respond. “The criticism of Riyad Mahrez is not new. In 2019, he was also criticized. I don’t listen to journalists. Riyad Mahrez is the European champion. He doesn’t even listen to criticism. We are focused on the team, the match,” he declared at a press conference before the match against Burkina Faso this Saturday (3 p.m.). A way of protecting his captain at a time when many Algerian supporters are also pointing the finger at his lack of investment.
Riyad Mahrez was defended by his coach Djamel Belmadi after his performance in Algeria’s first match. Photo Icon Sport 2024 Icon Sport
Already strongly criticized in Saudi Arabia
No longer very motivated, Riyad Mahrez? The question is valid. Facing Angola, the silhouette of the former Le Havre player seemed thicker than during his English years. Like Karim Benzema, who has also been mocked since his arrival in Saudi Arabia last summer, the attitude of the former Manchester City player has already been called into question.
At the beginning of November, Muhammad Nour, former player of the Saudi national team, was harsh in the Dorena Ghir television show: “Mahrez plays with Al-Ahli with minimal effort. He moves only according to the ball. If it’s him, he runs. He only calls for the ball if he is sure the ball will be given to him. Mahrez is much better than that, he must do better.”
An opinion far from isolated. In mid-November, former Saudi international Hussein Abdel Ghani was also already criticizing him. “Riyadh does not have the passion of Cristiano Ronaldo,” he assured. He is one of the best wingers in the world but so far he has not presented even 40% of his potential. He should watch Ronaldo, who runs after the ball like he was a child. If Mahrez played like he did last season, he would entertain us. Even if he gave us 60 to 70% of his usual level, by the way. »
Facing Burkina Faso this Saturday, Riyad Mahrez will therefore be expected at the turn. In the event of another poor performance, his starting place in the selection could be compromised, with Algeria’s future in CAN 2024.
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