Gustavo Poyet has confirmed he held talks with the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) about becoming the country’s next national team manager, saying he was one of the final candidates and had been enthusiastic about the possibility.

The Uruguay coach was considered for the role during the summer after Algeria’s disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign, which ended with a 2-0 defeat by Switzerland in the last 16.

Vladimir Petkovic was subsequently forced to leave his position as manager. Various sources reported that his departure involved a payment of 4 million euros.

A number of candidates were linked with the vacancy, including Poyet, who had been without a club or national-team contract since the end of May 2026. His spell in charge of Saudi Arabian side Al-Khaleej ended at that point.

Speaking to Afrik-Foot, Poyet confirmed that contact with the FAF had taken place and indicated that the discussions progressed beyond an initial approach.

The former Uruguay international also explained that he had been excited by the prospect of leading Algeria. His command of French was an additional factor in the discussions, having developed the language during his time with Grenoble as a player and Bordeaux as a manager.

“I was among the finalists and excited,” Poyet said, describing his interest in taking charge of the Fennecs.

Despite the talks, the position ultimately went to Brahim Hemdani, the former Marseille player. Poyet said he held no resentment over the decision and instead regarded the approach as an honour, given the stature of the job.

The 58-year-old’s previous international management experience came with Greece, whom he coached from February 2022 until March 2024.

Poyet is now waiting for another opportunity, either with a club or a national team. His departure from Al-Khaleej left him available when Algeria began assessing its options, but the FAF eventually chose Hemdani to oversee the next stage of the national side’s development.

The process followed a major change in direction for Algeria after the World Cup exit. Their tournament ended at the first knockout stage with Switzerland’s 2-0 win, prompting an extended search for Petkovic’s successor and generating several possible names before Hemdani’s appointment was settled.

For Poyet, the episode nevertheless provided confirmation that he remained under consideration for high-profile international positions. He described himself as pleased to have been contacted and is now ready for the next opening in club or international football.