After a remarkable period leading Algeria, crowned notably by the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations title, Djamel Belmadi resumed his role as head coach of Al-Duhail in June 2025, the Qatari club where he previously achieved success. His return raises high expectations, especially since his earlier spells resulted in four league titles from 2011 to 2018 and several national cups.
However, the start of the season appears quite challenging for Belmadi and his players. In five matches, the record is mixed with only two wins, two losses, and one draw, placing Al-Duhail 7th in the Qatari league, far from the club’s usual ambitious standards. This irregularity is compounded in the AFC Champions League by a 2-1 defeat to Al-Hilal, despite a strong resistance against the Saudi powerhouse. Defensive weaknesses and offensive inefficiency complicate the coach’s task to find the right tactical adjustments.
The tight schedule offers Belmadi no rest, with an important league match against Al-Arabi and another tough regional clash against Al-Ahli Riyadh scheduled for late September in the Champions League. These encounters will serve as true benchmarks for Al-Duhail’s progress under Belmadi’s leadership. The Algerian coach, aware of the challenge’s difficulty, calls for maximum focus to maintain a positive momentum.
Pressure on Belmadi is even greater given the club’s significant investments in the latest summer transfer window. Among new signings are internationally renowned players such as Marco Verratti, defender Tuta acquired for 15 million euros, striker Krzysztof Piatek, and young Algerian star Adil Boulbina. Al-Duhail hopes their coach can quickly restore a new sporting impetus to the team to regain its status as a major force in Qatar and across Asia.