Thursday 13 April 2017, 12:47

Lucas Alcaraz appointed new Algeria coach

  • Spanish coach Lucas Alcaraz takes the reins of Algeria following dismissal from Granada role this week

  • Algeria currently sat bottom of their 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ qualifying group

  • Alcaraz will be the Desert Foxes' fourth coach in just over a year

Algeria have appointed Lucas Alcaraz as their new coach, following the resignation of Georges Leekens in February.

The Spaniard, who was sacked as Granada coach on Monday after six months following his third spell at the helm of the Andalucian club, becomes the fourth permanent coach to take charge in 13 months.

Christian Gourcuff, who had been in the role since Vahid Halilhodzic stepped down following Brazil 2014, resigned in March 2016. Milovan Rajevac took control for two games before Leekens stepped in, but the Belgian called time after Algeria's group stage exit at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Alcaraz will take over the Desert Foxes with them languishing at the bottom of their Russia 2018 qualifying group, having picked up one point from their opening two fixtures. They are five points adrift of leaders Nigeria with four games remaining, with the Super Eagles occupying the solitary qualifying place.

Algeria at the FIFA World Cup

  • The Desert Foxes' first appearance at the World Cup came at Spain 1982, stunning West Germany with a 2-1 win

  • Brazil 2014 ranks as their best-ever performance, taking eventual champions Germany to extra-time in the Round of 16

  • They also qualified for Mexico 1986 and South Africa 2010