Even in Ligue 2, I Aimed to Make My Comeback to the National Team

Foot Mercato: Four years after your first call-up to the Algerian national team, you were recalled by Petković during the gathering last September. What was your reaction when you saw your name on the list?

Ilan Kebbal: I felt pride because it was a long-term goal. I hadn’t been called to the national team for four years, so this was something I’d been thinking about. As soon as I saw my name on the list, it felt like an accomplishment. My goal was to avoid the same fate as my first call-up; I wanted to stay involved as much as possible.

Foot Mercato: Were you in touch with any players from the group?

IK: In 2021, there were already many players present, so when I returned, it helped. I already knew some of the guys and we stayed in contact, which made adapting easier.

“The atmosphere in Algeria surpasses everything, maybe except for the Vélodrome”

Foot Mercato: How would you describe the atmosphere in Algeria?

IK: It surpasses everything, maybe except for the Vélodrome. The Vélodrome is unique. But when we played in Tizi Ouzou, the noise was incredible. The atmosphere is something else. You really have to be in the stadium to understand it; it’s non-stop excitement from beginning to end.

Foot Mercato: You started your international career at 27, which is considered “late.” Have you always believed in your career?

IK: Even when I was in Ligue 2 at Paris FC, I always aimed to return to the national team because I knew what I was capable of. I knew it would take hard work since getting into the national team is quite difficult. I always believed; it was always in the back of my mind. When we got promoted to Ligue 1, I knew that if I performed well, it would be more accessible than when I was in Ligue 2. The promotion changed everything. Moustapha Mbow was called up with Senegal, Samir Chergui with Algeria, and so was I. It was a boost for many of us.

Foot Mercato: Has becoming an Algerian international changed your popularity?

IK: The national team changes everything. When you land in Algeria, it’s an incredible feeling. Even if you cover your face, people recognize you at the airport in Algiers. Whenever you meet Algerians in France, you can be sure they’ll want to talk about the national team. They greet you warmly with hugs and show their pride.

Foot Mercato: What are your best memories with the Algerian national team?

IK: The 2014 World Cup was amazing, especially the matches against Germany and South Korea. We were young, watching on TV, rooting for that team as they gave everything for the jersey. We followed all the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) tournaments, through wins and losses. When they won CAN in 2019, I was with friends in Marseille celebrating at the Old Port. The competition was like a rollercoaster, with high-pressure matches. I’ll never forget the semi-final against Nigeria, especially Mahrez’s last-minute free-kick. It was unbelievable.

Foot Mercato: If you had to name a player you looked up to in the national team, who would it be?

IK: It has to be Riyad Mahrez. The first time I saw him in the national team, he was at Manchester City and in his prime. He was unstoppable on the field at that moment. When I arrived in the national team in 2021, I kept my distance, observing and trying to learn from him. But with Riyad, it’s tough; you can try to emulate what he does, but it doesn’t always work. Sometimes, I’d watch from the bench, feeling like a fan.

Foot Mercato: The Africa Cup of Nations is approaching; are you confident about being part of the squad?

IK: I hope to be included; that’s what I’m working towards. If I continue performing well, I trust the coach will call on me. I aspire to be in the squad, and I’m feelin’ good physically and confident at my club. I need to keep pushing; I can’t settle for what I’ve done so far; I must do even more. Then we’ll see what happens.

“When you’re a nation like Algeria, you aim for the top”

Foot Mercato: What do you think about Algeria’s chances in the competition?

IK: It’s not just about the potential; it’s our duty, being a nation like Algeria. In every competition we enter, we aim to go all the way, especially in the CAN. Our goal is to reach as far as we can; it would be dishonest to say we don’t want to win. We have a squad rich in experience; many players have won CAN and faced eliminations, and they will help us. We know what we have to do. It will be tough with strong contenders, but we will give our best.

Foot Mercato: What do you think of the new generation coming up in Algeria?

IK: There are some top players in this new generation. Personally, I love watching Hadj Moussa; he’s the kind of player I enjoy playing with. Maza is another standout; even at 20, he plays with the maturity of someone much older. He’s ready for great things. I should also mention Bouanani, who is very talented. There are plenty of exceptional players in this new group.

Foot Mercato: Why do you think more dual nationals are choosing Algeria early on?

IK: Take Ibrahim Maza, for instance; at this moment, he could have played for many countries. If he had chosen Germany, he could have been called up to the national team there. Dual nationals are making a heartfelt choice, so kudos to them. Especially since Maza made his choice early on, it’s great for Algeria, as he’s a top player. Knowing Algeria has him for at least another 10-15 years is exceptional.

“Playing in the World Cup is the ultimate goal”

Foot Mercato: Algeria has qualified for the 2026 World Cup. What does the potential to play in the World Cup mean to you?

IK: Playing in the World Cup is the ultimate goal for any player. It’s the greatest competition in the world; there’s no debate about that. The World Cup is something we’ve grown up watching. Since I was 4-5 years old, I don’t have memories of the Champions League, but I do have memories of the World Cup.

Foot Mercato: What can we wish you for the future with the national team?

IK: Wins, trophies, going as far as possible in the CAN, and hopefully participating in the World Cup. As I said, any footballer wants to be part of such competitions. It would also be great to start scoring goals.