Vahid Halilhodzic Resigns as Algeria Manager: Latest Details and Reaction

Vahid Halilhodzic has vowed to "never forget nor forgive" the actions of certain press members upon the announcement that he will step down as Algeria boss.

Although Halilhodzic remained largely positive in his final address, he took a swipe at those who have invaded his life during his three-year tenure, reported in an official statement on the Algerian Football Federation's website and translated by the Press Association via The Guardian:

The only sour note, which I want to confront, is the behaviour of certain—though thankfully not all—members of the press, who never ceased to stigmatise not only my work but also me and my family. I will never forget nor forgive that.

Halilhodzic thanked President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal of Algeria for their support, while he also singled out Algerian Football Federation President Mohamed Raouraoua for his encouragement during an extremely successfully spell with the Fennec Foxes.

The 61-year-old took time to show his appreciation toward the "wonderful Algerian public," as well as his players and staff. Maher Mezahi, Algerian football correspondent for The Daily Telegraph, sums up the popularity of a man who many wanted to remain in the job:

Halilhodzic bows out after a fantastic 2014 World Cup campaign with the African side. Algeria took the lead and put up a real fight before losing 2-1 to a much-fancied Belgium team in Brazil, before tearing through South Korea 4-2 and drawing 1-1 with Russia.

This set up a round-of-16 tie with Germany, who relied on extra-time goals from Andre Schurrle and Mesut Ozil to progress beyond Abdelmoumene Djabou's late consolation.

After taking over on July 1, 2011, Halilhodzic won 19, drew five and lost seven of 31 matches in total, recorded by Soccerway.

Perhaps more impressive than his record, the outgoing manager drilled Algeria into playing fast-paced, ambitious and expansive football. His side showed real guts throughout the World Cup, but also highlighted their quality with some excellent passages of play.

The likes of Yacine Brahimi, Sofiane Feghouli and Islam Slimani are sure to have gained many new admirers after the tournament, while the defensive display of Rafik Halliche should be noted. Rais M'Bolhi, the side's acrobatic goalkeeper, also posted a fine showing at the South American showpiece.

Aside from the press' invasion into Halilhodzic's life, Ben Lyttleton of The Guardian believes there may be another reason for the coach's departure:

BBC Sport pinpoints Halilhodzic's inability to dismiss "the lure of a new sporting challenge," ensuring he is likely to pop up elsewhere soon.

It's easy to see why both the Algerian presidency and fans wanted their outgoing leader to remain in charge. Halilhodzic's players put everything on the line for their boss during a tricky run of World Cup matches. They believed in his philosophy and applied it with the utmost respect.

The incoming boss, whoever it may be, faces an extremely difficult challenge to replicate such a feat.