Frenchman Christian Gourcuff has quit his head coach role with Algeria, the North African nation’s football federation confirmed on Sunday.

The Algeria Football Federation announced on its official website that it reached a mutual agreement with the Frenchman to end their existing contract.

No reason was given for the termination of their contract, however, but Gourcuff’s assistant, Nabil Neghiz, will step in for the time being.

“The Algerian Football Federation has amicably terminated the contract of national coach Christian Gourcuff at his request. Mr Nabil Neghiz, assistant national coach, will take up the job on interim capacity,” stated the Algerian FA.

Reports in Algeria had suggested in the past weeks that Gourcuff was keen on leaving due to lack of support from the public but the football federation president, Mohamed Raouraoua, talked him into staying until the FA found a replacement.

Gourcuff was hired in August 2014 by Algeria and he led them to a quarterfinal place at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.