Algeria manager Brahim Hemdani says he will make a decision on Manchester City left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri’s future involvement, after he asked to leave the national team camp during the last international break.
The left-back has endured a difficult spell since arriving at the Etihad from Wolverhampton Wanderers in June 2025.
Last season, he played 1,605 minutes from 26 matches for Manchester United under Pep Guardiola. Enzo Maresca has replaced the Spaniard in the summer, and this hasn’t worked out well for the 25-year-old.
Aït-Nouri played 15 minutes in the Premier League and made one appearance in EFL Cup appearance this season. That didn’t stop Hemdani from including him in his squad for September and October’s fixtures.
Why Manchester City player left NT
The limited role under Enzo Maresca had impacted the fullback. He was hoping to start in the 3-1 AFCON qualifier win over Zambia.
However, Brahim Hemdani started Brighton & Hove Albion’s Jaouen Hadjam and he scored in the second minute.
In the second half, the manager was about to bring on Rayan Aït-Nouri, only to change his mind, after Zambia netted the equaliser. A few minutes later, Algeria regained the lead and Hemdani planned to give the Citizens man minutes.
However, he refused to leave the bench and a video of him arguing with the coaching staff went viral. His behaviour resulted in anger and annoyance within the national team camp.
The Manchester City player withdrew from the squad. Last week, Sport Witness relayed news that the fullback asked to leave, and Algeria eventually accepted his request. Aït-Nouri reportedly has to issue a public apology to represent his country again.
NT manager’s stance on Manchester City man
Brahim Hemdani now reviews Rayan Aït-Nouri’s case and TSA-Algerie have relayed his comments.
“Those who want to speculate, speculate. I won’t get into these speculations. There’s a situation that has been handled. There’s the Federation’s statement. However brief it may be, it is what it is,” he said.
“Everything that happens in relation to this situation will be handled amicably, and whatever we do will be my decision, you will be informed in due course.”
This indicates the manager hasn’t decided on the Manchester City player representing Algeria again. The outlet says Hemdani’s comments indicate he is the sole decision-maker.
