Former Morocco star Jamal Alioui joins Crystal Palace coaching staff

Former Moroccan international Jamal Alioui has taken another significant step in his coaching career after being appointed to the first-team coaching staff of Crystal Palace ahead of the new Premier League season.

The 44-year-old has joined the backroom team as an assistant coach under newly appointed French manager Pierre Sage, marking Alioui’s first coaching role in English football.

Announcing the new technical team, Crystal Palace revealed that Sage has completed his coaching staff for the upcoming campaign.

Alongside Alioui, the coaching setup includes Damien Della Santa and Sandy Guichard, with Paddy McCarthy serving as assistant coach and Andy Quy continuing as the club’s goalkeeping coach.

Alioui’s arrival at Selhurst Park comes as no surprise, given his long-standing professional relationship with Sage. The two coaches previously worked together during their time at Olympique Lyonnais, where they built a strong working partnership. Their successful collaboration continued beyond Lyon, laying the foundation for their latest reunion in the Premier League.

The appointment is a major milestone for the former defender, who has steadily built an impressive coaching résumé since bringing his playing career to an end. Over the years, Alioui has gained valuable experience in youth development and senior football, earning recognition for his tactical knowledge and ability to work closely with players.

Among his notable coaching roles was his stint as assistant coach of Morocco’s Under-20 national team, where he contributed to the development of some of the country’s brightest young talents. He also held several technical and coaching positions with clubs in France, further sharpening his expertise before earning the opportunity to join one of England’s top-flight clubs.

Alioui enjoyed an equally distinguished playing career before moving into coaching. A former Morocco international, he represented the Atlas Lions with distinction and featured in some of the biggest competitions on the international stage.

At club level, the versatile defender played in several of Europe’s top leagues, turning out for clubs in Italy, France, Switzerland and Qatar. He also enjoyed a spell with Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club, adding domestic success to an accomplished career that spanned multiple countries.

His wealth of experience as both a player and coach is expected to strengthen Crystal Palace’s technical team as the club prepares for the challenges of the new Premier League season.

For Alioui, the move represents another important milestone in a coaching journey that continues to gather momentum, while also highlighting the growing influence of Moroccan football figures on the European coaching scene.