Reached yesterday afternoon by telephone, President Ould-Ali said he was deeply saddened by the death of Rahim Derradji and Nassim Chikh, two members of the Ultras Kabylie Boys, victims of a traffic accident on the Algiers- Tizi Ouzou. President Ould-Ali said he would have liked his team to win to honor the memory of these two supporters. He also reaffirmed that the objective remains the title, specifying that the coach must imperatively find solutions to the problem of attack, while promising high-level reinforcements during the next winter transfer window.
With the death of Rahim Derradji and Nassim Chikh, the entire JSK is in mourning, isn’t it?
Of course, we are deeply saddened by the loss of these two supporters. They died on their way to the stadium to cheer on their team, and we would have liked to win this match to honor their memory. May God welcome them into His Vast Paradise. The entire JSK is in mourning, and I have always reminded the players and the technical staff of the importance of giving the best of themselves to live up to the expectations of the supporters. They make many sacrifices to come, and even if no one can escape their fate, these two supporters were victims of a tragic accident on their way to the Hocine-Aït-Ahmed stadium.
You often insist that the JSK public deserves titles…
Absolutely. Before being president, I was a supporter and I know the passion that this club arouses. We are all here to do our best to please the supporters. The player, the coach and the manager who is not aware of the sacrifices of the supporters have no place here. The proof: Rahim Derradji and Nassim Chikh lost their lives while coming to support their team. They died for the jersey of this club, and it is our duty to make sacrifices to live up to our fans. They come from everywhere to cheer us on, that’s why I always said they have the right to be angry when the team doesn’t win. They love their team and we must do everything to satisfy them.
In addition to this tragedy, the team conceded a misstep at home. Your disappointment must be immense…
Indeed, we are disappointed by the final result. It’s completely normal to be disappointed when you don’t win. It’s a semi-failure, and we must react quickly to make up for the points lost at home. I won’t hide the fact that I would have liked us to win, if only to honor the memory of our two deceased supporters.
Don’t you think that the team let two precious points slip away against a direct competitor for the podium?
The coach is required to find solutions to solve the problem of the attack. This problem of inefficiency must be resolved urgently, while of course waiting for the winter transfer window. The defense has been strengthened, and with work, the coach will manage to find solutions in attack. A few days ago I declared on National Radio that we must refuel at home. The team has shown signs of improvement with two consecutive victories, but this semi-failure at home is regrettable. We must get back to work to correct the situation.
You have always supported coach Benchikha…
Benchikha is a renowned trainer. He has won several titles, including two African titles with the USMA, and I know that with work, the team will perform better. We must not forget that the team was significantly reshuffled in the offseason, and it takes time for the team to find its rhythm.
Management’s focus remains on the title, right?
As I have always said, JSK must fight for the first places. There is no question that it will fight for the middle of the table or survival in Ligue 1 Mobilis, as has been the case in recent seasons. The JSK has gone through very difficult times in recent years, and we must do everything to restore its shine. The supporters dream of titles, and we will do everything to satisfy them. This is why I insist on work, because only work pays.
The JSK is only two points behind the CSC, current leader. Do you think nothing is lost?
Of course, we are halfway through the first leg and it is crucial to finish this first part of the championship on the podium. Then, we will make an individual and overall assessment to draw the necessary conclusions. Everyone will be evaluated to measure each person’s contributions, and we will make decisions based on those results. While waiting for the end of the first leg, it is urgent to resolve the problem of the attack.
We are already talking about the possible release of Burkinabe striker Djibril Ouattara, who did not meet expectations…
As I have already said, we will wait until the end of the first leg to make individual assessments, and it is on this basis that we will make decisions. The main thing for now is to finish the first phase strongly to be on the podium.
You promised high-level reinforcements in the winter transfer window…
Indeed, if the squad needs to be strengthened, we will do it with high-level players. The transfer window is being prepared now, because you should not wait until the last minute to plan winter recruitments. We are halfway through the first leg, and the transfer market is coming soon. We will do everything to strengthen our squad with elements capable of bringing more to the team. But until the market opens, we must work tirelessly to resolve this attack problem. We lost a lot of points at home, and that must not happen again.
It is said that you took the reins of the club in a critical situation…
From the moment we arrived, the priority was to work on a sporting level to build a competitive team, capable of playing leading roles. At the same time, we are strengthening the administration of the club, because JSK must have strong management, worthy of its reputation. With its countless supporters, in Algeria and abroad, we have a duty to restore the club’s image. We have only been here for a few months, but progress has already been made, and we will continue relentlessly, because only work brings results.
- B.
