ALGIERS, July 3 (Xinhua) -- President of Algeria, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, on Wednedsay night urged president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), Mohamed Raouraoua, to maintain Bosnian Vahid Halilhodzic as head coach of the national soccer team following the remarkable appearance of the Desert Foxes in the World Cup, being held in Brazil.
"Vahid Halilhodzic should stay with us. This is a great team we have," Bouteflika was quoted as saying by APS news agency when he received the Bosnian coach and Raouraoua at his office to congratulate them for the good participation of the Algerian team in the World Cup, despite being eliminated by Germany in the round of 16 after extra time (2-1).
The fate of coach Halilhodzic with the Desert Foxes has triggered controversy, as some media reports suggest that the FAF pressed the Bosnian to extend his contract in April, but the latter still insists to discuss the extension after the World Cup.
The reports further assume that President of FAF believes that coach Vahid plans to leave for another club, otherwise he would have had extended his contract on April. The name of Halilhodzic is being mentioned in Turkey as new coach of Trabzonspor FC.
In fact, Raouraoua told his entourage that he wanted to finish with the issue of the coach due to the condensed schedule of the qualifications to Morocco's Africa Cup of Nations 2015 that start by next September.
Moreover, it is reported that Raouraoua has already found a new coach for the Desert Foxes in the name of Frenchman Christian Gourcuff, current manager of French Ligue 1's Lorient FC. But, such a deal seems to fall apart, given that Algerian President insists to maintain the Bosnian coach, who has gained massive support by the Algerians.
The Algerian soccer team returned home Wednesday and received a "hero's welcome" upon their arrival. They were received later in the day by President Bouteflika who congratulated them for their impressive performance in Brazil and organized a Ramadan fast break meal on their honor.
The men of Bosnian coach made their way on an open-top bus to the President's Office. Along their way, they were provided with massive welcome by their fans who crowded the streets. Flags of Algeria were waved by the fans as they chanted patriotic slogans, including the famous "One, Two Three, Viva l'Algerie."
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