Ramzi's appointment to Dutch coaching staff 'incomprehensible,' says former Moroccan player

The recent appointment of former Moroccan international Adel Ramzi to the coaching staff of the Dutch national football team has ignited a discussion among former Moroccan players active in the Dutch league. The move is particularly sensitive given the ongoing competition between Morocco and the Netherlands to attract players with dual nationalities.

While some observers believe that having figures of Moroccan origin within the Dutch football system could aid in communication with young players of Moroccan descent, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) justified Ramzi's inclusion by his familiarity with local football and the current generation of players. However, former Moroccan international Ali Boussaboun expressed his surprise, deeming the decision "incomprehensible."

Boussaboun stated that Ramzi's placement within the assistant coaching staff under Spanish coach Xavi Hernandez raises several questions, especially considering the current phase and the caliber of other potential candidates for the new staff. "If the Dutch FA had chosen Patrick Kluivert, who previously played for Barcelona, we could understand that choice. But choosing Adel Ramzi is completely incomprehensible to me," Boussaboun told Hespress.

The KNVB announced the new coaching team led by Xavi, which includes former Dutch star Ruud van Nistelrooy, goalkeeping coach Patrick Lodewijks, and Spaniards Sergio Alegre and Óscar Hernández (Xavi's brother), along with Iván Torres for physical preparation. Ramzi's selection, according to the KNVB, is based on his deep understanding of Dutch football and his work with the U18 and U19 Dutch national teams since 2024, as well as his prior coaching experience with youth teams and PSV Eindhoven's reserve squad, and his stint with Wydad AC.

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If the Dutch FA had chosen Patrick Kluivert, who previously played for Barcelona, we could understand that choice. But choosing Adel Ramzi is completely incomprehensible to me.