A member of the Algerian team’s technical staff during the 1982 World Cup, Mohamed Maouche explains why Ali Benchikh did not play a single game during the tournament.
One of the stars of Mouloudia d’Algiers in the 70s and 80s, Ali Benchikh he was part of the group selected for Algeria’s team for the 1982 World Cup in Spain. However, he did not play a single game, making himself happy by watching the national team’s games, respectively against Germany, Austria and Chile, from the substitutes’ bench.
Several years have passed, but Benchikh still cannot digest it. According to him, EN technical staff had been wrong. 42 years later, Mohamed Maouche, a member of the staff at the time, explains why midfielder Mouloudia was not used during the World Cup in Spain.
“Training at Mouloudia is one thing, and training with the Algerian team is another. He could not do three days (3 training sessions a day) in an election,” he said, in an interview given to a private television channel.
And he said: “I really like Ali Benchikh. Sure, sometimes he goes off the rails, but most of the time he tells the truth.” It remains to be seen whether Maouche’s revelation will prompt encouragement from Benchikh, who is currently a consultant in a private Algerian sports channel.
Madjer, Belloumi and Dahleb are better than Mahrez, according to Maouche
According to the former player the glorious team of the FLNRiyad Mahrez’s level is far from certain stars of the 82 team, among others Rabah Madjer, Lakhdar Belloumi and Mustapha Dahleb.
“The players at the time were better than Riyad Mahrez, yes. Take for example Lakhdar Belloumi, Rabah Madjer or Mustapha Dahleb, they were better than him because the football of that time and the football of today are not the same. Today, you play the way you want, no one touches you, no one hurts you,” he explains.
2024-12-01 03:03:00
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## Why Ali Benchikh wasn’t Used at the 1982 World Cup: An Exclusive interview with Algerian Football Legend Mohamed Maouche
This exclusive interview with mohamed Maouche, a member of the Algerian team’s technical staff during the legendary 1982 World Cup, sheds light on a long-standing mystery surrounding midfielder Ali Benchikh’s lack of playing time in Spain.
Maouche, who also enjoyed a decorated playing career with the “Glorious team of the FLN” besides being recognized as a respected football analyst, offers insightful perspectives on the intricacies of team selection, player conditioning, adn the evolution of the game. His comments on Benchikh’s omission are particularly compelling, offering a window into the pressures and decisions that shape a national team’s campaign. We also delve into Maouche’s comparison of Algerian football icons Rabah Madjer, Lakhdar Belloumi and Mustapha dahleb to modern star Riyad Mahrez, sparking an intriguing debate about the eras of the stunning game.
### The Case of Ali Benchikh
**World Today News:** Mohamed,thank you for joining us. Let’s address the elephant in the room. Many Algerian fans are still puzzled about Ali Benchikh’s absence from the 1982 World Cup squad, considering he was a star player for Mouloudia d’Algiers. Can you shed some light on why he didn’t get a chance to play?
**Mohamed Maouche:** Training with your club is a different beast compared to training with the national team. The intensity and demands are considerably higher. Ali, unluckily, couldn’t handle the rigorous training schedule required at that level. We had three training sessions a day during the lead-up to the World Cup, and his body just wasn’t able to cope.
**World Today News:** It’s been 42 years, and Benchikh still expresses disappointment. Do you think he deserved a shot on the field?
**Mohamed Maouche:** Ali possesses undeniable talent.I have immense respect for him as a player. He’s even willing to speak his mind, wich sometimes gets him into trouble. But fundamentally, he’s a truthful person.
**World Today News:** Benchikh’s story highlights the complex decisions faced by coaches during major tournaments. What message do you have for aspiring Algerian footballers about the importance of fitness and mental preparedness?
**Mohamed Maouche:** To reach the highest level, both physical and mental fortitude are crucial. The demands on modern footballers are immense. Every aspect of your game needs to be optimized.
### Comparing Eras: Madjer,Belloumi,Dahleb vs. Mahrez
**World Today News:** You’ve spoken about the evolution of football. Your comments regarding the caliber of players during the 1982 world Cup compared to prominent stars like Riyad Mahrez have generated debate. Can you elaborate on the characteristics that distinguished those Algerian legends?
**Mohamed Maouche:** The game was drastically different back then. Players faced significantly more physicality and aggression.
“Think about Madjer, Belloumi, Dahleb – these were phenomenal talents who could dictate the pace of a game, dribble through defenders, and create magic out of nothing. Today’s game is more tactical and structured. There’s less room for individual brilliance.”
**World Today News:** How does Riyad Mahrez fit into this comparison?
**Mohamed Maouche:** Mahrez is undoubtedly a gifted player, no question.He’s technically sound, possesses great vision, and excels in creating scoring opportunities. However, those who witnessed Madjer, Belloumi, and Dahleb firsthand would argue that their technical skill and ability to influence a game on their own were unparalleled.
### Looking Ahead: The Future of Algerian Football
**World Today News:** so, what does the future hold for Algerian football?
**Mohamed Maouche:** We have immense potential. The young generation of players is brimming with talent. What’s essential is proper advancement, consistent coaching, and creating a system that nurtures their growth. We need to identify and hone those diamonds in the rough, just as we did in the past.
**World Today News:** Thank you, Mohamed, for sharing your perspectives. Your insights are invaluable to understanding the intricacies of Algerian football history and the challenges facing the game today.
**Key takeaways**: the interview highlights the demanding nature of international football and the tough decisions faced by coaches during major tournaments. Maouche’s comparison of Algerian football legends across generations sparks a fascinating debate about playing styles and the evolution of the game.
**Call to Action**: Share your thoughts on this comparison! do you agree with Maouche’s assessment of the players?
**Related Articles:**
* Algeria’s 1982 World Cup: A Story of Triumph and Heartbreak
* Riyad Mahrez: A Modern Algerian Icon
* The Legacy of Rabah Madjer: The Magician of Algerian Football
