Algeria head coach Brahim Hemdani has spoken for the first time about Rayan Aït-Nouri’s early departure from the training camp, insisting that the decision on a possible return for the Manchester City full-back will be his to make.
Manchester City left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri left the Algeria national team camp early during the last international break, after requesting to do so. The Algerian Football Federation issued a brief statement confirming the departure, without going into detail.
Brahim Hemdani chose to speak publicly about the situation for the first time, as reported by TSA-Algérie via Foot Africa. The national team coach refused to engage with the rumours and speculation surrounding the defender, while setting out one clear principle: the final decision on whether the player returns will be his alone.
“I’m not going to get into that speculation”
On the circumstances of the left-back’s departure, Brahim Hemdani pointed to the federation’s official communication. “Those who want to speculate, speculate. I’m not going to get into that speculation. There was a situation that was handled. There’s the Federation’s statement. Brief as it is, that’s what it is,” the coach said, as quoted by Foot Africa.
The coach therefore refuses to feed the rumours surrounding the player. On what happens next, he also set the terms: “Anything that happens in relation to this situation will be settled amicably, and whatever we do, it will be my decision; you will be informed in due course.”
Limited playing time at City
This season, the left-back has played only 15 minutes of Premier League football in a Manchester City shirt. He has also featured in just one Carabao Cup match, the English League Cup, for the Manchester club.
Despite that limited use in England, Brahim Hemdani had chosen to call him up for the September and October 2026 international windows, a choice that contrasts with the departure request the player made during the last break.
Togo in sight
Meanwhile, the Greens played a friendly against Niger on 6 October 2026, winning 2-1. Algeria’s next competitive fixture is set for 11 November 2026 against Togo, in AFCON qualifying.
The next Algeria squad list, expected before that match, will show whether Rayan Aït-Nouri’s name is on it. No date has been given for the decision: the coach promises to make it known “in due course”.