Algeria head coach Rabah Madjer subjected star player Riyad Mahrez to perhaps the most awkward press conference of his career this week, as he decided to unload a furious tirade at a journalist covering the national team.
Madjer and Mahrez sat in on the conference to take questions from the media, when one query hit a raw nerve for the national boss and sparked an unexpected reaction.
Though Algeria had recently registered a 3-0 friendly victory over Central Africa Republic, Mahrez was asked by a reporter about the national team’s recent performances as a whole, and their failure to make the 2018 World Cup.
Riyad Mahrez was about to answer a question when manager Rabah Madjer soon stepped in
Madjer took exception to the query of the reporter and unleashed some pent up frustration
After telling Djebour he was the ‘enemy’ of the team, Madjer addressed the other journalists
For Madjer this was the final straw, and tension which had clearly been mounting for the Algerian coach came to the boil.
As Mahrez opened his mouth to give an answer, his manager put a hand on his shoulder before calmly asking – in what translates to English as – ‘Riyad, give me two seconds.’
A puzzled Mahrez allowed his manager to speak, before soon realising Madjer was about to rise through the gears of frustration.
‘Mr Djebour, the national journalist, you are the enemy of the national team,’ Madjer began, pointing at his target all the while.
Djebour’s protests were immediately crushed by Madjer, as an embarrassed Mahrez watched
The Algeria coach didn’t mince his word and demanded the journalist retire from his post
Despite a recent friendly win, Mahrez and Algeria failed to qualify for the Russia World Cup
‘I say that in public, listen to me all. I respect all of you but him,’ Madjer continued while gesturing to the masses, before turning his attention back to Djebour.
‘Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Retire and let the next generation do the job,’ Madjer added, his anger reaching fever pitch.
All the while Leicester ace Mahrez clearly didn’t know where to look, evidently both bemused and embarrassed by the spectacle.
Regaining a modicum of composure, Madjer folded his arms and looked square into the patch of other waiting reporters before asking: ‘next question please.’
Mahrez will return to Premier League action this weekend when Leicester host runaway leaders Manchester City on Saturday.