ALGERIA: Camp begins with confidence issues....

[Enugu II]

National Team: Leekens into the thick of it Translated & interpreted
by Mohamed Kamel
http://www.lequotidien-oran.com/index.php?news=5235674

The national football team started its training camp yesterday at the technical center of Sidi Moussa (Algiers), it will see all players join the group today. The local players arrived first as well as those who had played league games on Friday or Saturday. These include goalkeepers Mbolhi, Asselah, Ferhani and Ziti players, Abeid, Boudebouz, Tahrat, Feghouli, Ghoualm, Belkaroui and Ghezzal.

Other players will arrive Algiers from European capitals later this afternoon. The new coach, the Belgian Georges Leekens has planned one session yesterday afternoon, with the players present. A rather light session during which he preferred to discuss with the players to inquire about the state of their morale after the draw conceded against Cameroon (1-1), last October 9 in Blida. Leekens had insisted during his first media session on the importance of communication with the players and work in the direction to recover confidence in the team, which is still affected by what happened after the Cameroon match. Similarly, it is expected that the President of the FAF, Mohamed Raouraoua meets today with the players to reassure and motivate them before the game against Nigeria. Leekens said he had followed the players closely, in the championships where they play, with members of his technical staff.

The national coach, who aspires to come back with a positive result from his difficult trip to Nigeria, wants to use the fittest players. He is well informed about Bentaleb's health condition that flared up at his team Schalke 04. The FAF, however, has reassured that the player's injury is not serious. The other players are in great shape like Ghulam, Boudebouz and Ghezzal, while Feghouli who made headlines in the media outlets, has resumed playing with his team. He played three minutes. His accomplice, Brahimi, is still struggling to the extent the coach of Porto, Nuno Espirito Santo, does not consider him an undisputed starter. Leekens will take into account all these parameters during his first contact with the players and prepare in the most serene conditions, the Nigeria match.

He will have four days to prepare for this meeting in Nigeria, the travel being provided to Nigeria on Thursday and the scheduled game Saturday. Remember that the Nigeria-Algeria meeting accounts for the second round of qualifying for the World Cup 2018 in Russia.

[Mr Shows]

Enugu II thanks for digging up the news and keeping us all posted. Effort much appreciated