Algeria's president urges coach Halilhodzic to continue

Algiers, July 3 (IANS) Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika requested Bosnian Vahid Halilhodzic to continue as the head coach of the national football team following their remarkable show in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Media reports suggested that Algerian Football Federation (FAF) wants Halilhodzic to continue coaching the Desert Foxes but the Bosnian is yet to make up his mind. Bouteflika has now asked FAF president Mohamed Raouraoua to make sure that Halilhodzic extends his contract, reports Xinhua.

"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 Algeria's good show in the World Cup.

The Algerian team raised a few eyebrows before it bowed out of the World Cup with a 1-2 loss to Germany in extra time in the Round of 16.

Media reports also said that Halilhodzic plans to leave for another club, otherwise he would have had extended his contract in April. His name has been linked with Turkish club Trabzonspor FC.

Raouraoua has also found a new coach for the Desert Foxes in Frenchman Christian Gourcuff, current manager of French Ligue 1's Lorient FC.

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 organised a Ramadan fast break meal in their honour.