Gourcuff appointed new coach of Algerian football team

Algiers: Frenchman Christian Gourcuff was officially appointed the head coach of the Algerian football team, replacing Bosnian Vahid Halilhodzic.

Gourcuff`s appointment was confirmed during the meeting of the Algerian Football Federation`s (FAF) executive bureau held here Saturday. Gourcuff, 59, who will officially start his job by August, has signed a four-year deal. His main objectives will be to make sure `Desert Foxes` qualify for the African Cup of Nations 2015 and 2017 due in Morocco and Libya, respectively, as well as qualifying the team to the World Cup 2018 which takes place in Russia. The French coach is known for his hard work, determination and intelligence while heading Lorient. Vahid Halilhodzic, who worked with the team for three years, decided not to extend his contract, after an outstanding performance in the Brazil World Cup , by reaching the knockout stage for the first time in their history. Halilhodzic, 61, recently signed a two-year deal with Turkish side Trabzonspor, which he had coached in 2005-2006 season.