Adil Ramzi joins Xavi Hernández as assistant coach of the Netherlands

11:42

The former Moroccan international Adil Ramzi takes a new step in his coaching career. The Dutch Football Federation (KNVB) officially announced on Saturday, August 22, his appointment as assistant coach in the staff of Xavi Hernández, who was recently appointed head coach of the Netherlands.

A new responsibility with the Oranje

Adil Ramzi joins a coaching team composed of several complementary profiles around Xavi Hernández. The former FC Barcelona midfielder will be supported by Sergio Alegre, Óscar Hernández, Ruud van Nistelrooij, and now Adil Ramzi, all set to serve as assistant coaches.

The staff also includes Patrick Lodewijks, who resumes his role as goalkeeper coach, as well as Iván Torres, appointed as performance coach. This organization combines the experience of Dutch football with several collaborators who have previously worked with Xavi.

For the Spanish coach, this composition aims to bring together different skills and experiences. Xavi intends to rely on members familiar with his working method while maintaining a strong Dutch presence within his team.

Ramzi, a career built in the Netherlands

This appointment rewards several years of work by Adil Ramzi in Dutch football. After joining the KNVB in 2024 as coach of the under-18 national team, he accompanied this generation to the under-19s the following year. He now transitions from the youth sector to the highest level of the Dutch men's national team.

Before his experience with youth national teams, Ramzi notably worked at PSV Eindhoven. There, he held the position of assistant coach for the first team and head coach of Jong PSV, the club's reserve team.

His journey presents an interesting uniqueness: as a former Moroccan international player, he has long been familiar with the structures and methods of Dutch football. This dual experience is one of the profiles on which the KNVB relies in the new organization of its national team.

A former Lion of the Atlas serving the Oranje

Born in Morocco, Adil Ramzi also had a playing career in the Netherlands. He notably wore the jerseys of PSV, AZ Alkmaar, and FC Twente. Under the colors of Morocco, he played 37 international matches.

His arrival in Xavi's staff thus adds a special dimension to his journey. After representing the Lions of the Atlas as a player, Ramzi is now involved in coaching the Dutch national team, in an environment he has known since his playing and coaching years.

Xavi prepares for a new era with the Netherlands

Adil Ramzi's appointment comes just days after Xavi Hernández took over the Netherlands. The Spanish coach was chosen to succeed Ronald Koeman and has signed a contract running until the 2030 World Cup.

The former Spanish international is about to embark on a new adventure on the bench of a national team after his experiences with Al-Sadd in Qatar and FC Barcelona. His project is based on a style of play focused on possession, creativity, and attacking football, principles he associates with the heritage of Dutch football.

Ramzi's presence in his staff is expected to strengthen the connection with local football and with the young generations followed by the federation. For the KNVB, his experience with youth teams is precisely one of the assets of this new organization.

A staff blending continuity and new influences

With Ruud van Nistelrooij and Patrick Lodewijks, Xavi retains several figures already present in the Oranje environment. Van Nistelrooij continues his work as assistant coach, while Lodewijks remains in charge of the goalkeepers.

Alongside them, Sergio Alegre, Óscar Hernández, and Iván Torres bring experience directly related to Xavi, notably gained during their previous experiences at Al-Sadd and FC Barcelona. Adil Ramzi complements this setup with a deep knowledge of Dutch football and development.

This combination marks the federation's desire to combine continuity, local expertise, and new methods. The official debut of this new team will be closely watched as the Netherlands embarks on a new cycle under the leadership of Xavi Hernández.