In an exclusive interview with Competition, Nasser Sendjak takes a retrospective look at the first matches of the current year for JS Kabylie, a team he coached in the past. With particular acuity, he analyzes what is necessary for JSK to realize the aspirations of the team and supporters of Algeria's most successful club.
Do you follow the JSK?
Yes, I have always followed JSK. Currently, it is becoming extremely interesting with this new team and the magnificent new stadium which hosts the matches.
The stadium is a real gem, right?
The new JSK stadium represents a major achievement for the club. Designed according to international standards, this high-quality infrastructure promises to breathe new life into the team, thus strengthening its potential on the sporting scene.
What do you think of the team's performance?
In my eyes, the team presented an average level, far from being at the top. However, currently she seems to have found her rhythm, now stringing together good results. The JSK accumulates victories at home, a striking contrast with the start of the season, especially against big names like Mouloudia of Algiers, USMA and CSC. On the other hand, it manages to win against smaller teams, a performance that other big teams do not always achieve. Thus, this advantage is very tangible for the JSK.
What is missing from this JSK training, then?
Frankly, I can't answer you precisely, because I don't know the details of the team. However, what is beneficial for the JSK and which will allow it to progress is its consistency. Players like Boudebouz, Boualia, Akhrib and two or three others make the difference. In addition, the contribution of foreign players in defense, midfield and attack is very valuable for the team. I find that JSK is currently the most consistent team in the championship, which places it at the top of the standings, even if it is provisional. Now, she snatches away points and wins at home, showing renewed determination.
Technically, why the club’s poor start?
I followed the JSK match against Mouloudia of Algiers, where they showed signs of distress, unlike the MCA who delivered an attractive game. Why such a difference? Quite simply because this new team needed time to find its rhythm, so that the players could adapt and find themselves on the pitch, while other teams had already refined this cohesion in previous seasons. We must also not forget the considerable impact of the public: the team found itself playing in front of 40,000 supporters, which undoubtedly played a role.
Will the JSK have a different face during the return phase?
Now that the team's performance is constant, we can truly assess its level of play against the big teams during the return phase, and this is precisely what will make the difference for the rest of the championship. In addition, we will see if the team will manage to recruit one or two additional good players to support it in this second part of the season, especially now that the financial means are there, thanks to Mobilis.
How should the technical staff manage the rest of the meetings?
The team temporarily occupies first place in the Algerian championship rankings. The coach in place manages his group well, and at the end of this phase the staff will undoubtedly make a detailed assessment, assessing the gaps, needs, etc. There are still many games left before the end of the season, and the coaching staff will then decide whether it is necessary to strengthen the team with new players to better face the challenges ahead.
Don't you think that the return phase will be in favor of the JSK, especially since the other big teams are engaged on another front, that of the continental competition?
Indeed, it is important to emphasize this: it is extremely difficult to play on several fronts. Managing both national and continental competitions is a big challenge. JSK, for its part, only focuses on the championship and the Algerian Cup, which will be beneficial for the team, allowing it to focus entirely on its objectives. Unlike the others, who risk being exhausted, this will serve the ambitions of the JSK well.
Do you think JSK is capable of winning the title this season?
Yes, I really think so. Several elements lean in favor of the JSK: the other teams contending for the title are engaged in continental competitions, which weighs considerably on them. The JSK is starting to demonstrate a clear and regular level of play. Now it's up to our friend Benchikha to do his self-assessment, notice the shortcomings, correct certain errors and see if he needs to recruit one or two additional players. So far, he's handling the situation well.
Are JSK fans being too demanding when they claim the double this season?
For now, they have every right to be demanding. A large company, Mobilis, supports the club, so the means are there. There is also a new stadium which is incredible. However, the reality on the ground is another matter: we will have to manage the matches, achieve victories against the big teams, etc. Why not, the race promises to be difficult, but not impossible.
- I.
Related News :