KNVB confirms Xavi Hernandez’s Netherlands staff as Adil Ramzi takes key role

The Netherlands have completed their coaching team under new manager Xavi Hernandez, with former Morocco international Adil Ramzi appointed as one of his assistants alongside Ruud van Nistelrooij.

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) announced the full structure of the national team’s technical staff on Saturday afternoon. Xavi, who was appointed earlier this month as successor to Ronald Koeman, will now begin his tenure with a coaching team that includes familiar colleagues from his previous roles.

Ramzi, 49, and Van Nistelrooij will serve as assistant managers, alongside Spaniards Sergio Alegre and Oscar Hernandez. Oscar Hernandez is Xavi’s brother and has worked closely with him on a regular basis.

Patrick Lodewijks will continue as the Netherlands’ goalkeeping coach, while Ivan Torres has been appointed the team’s new performance coach. The KNVB said the coaching staff is now complete.

Van Nistelrooij and Lodewijks have both previously been involved at a World Cup in the United States and will return to the positions they have traditionally held within the Netherlands set-up.

Xavi has worked with Alegre, Oscar Hernandez and Torres during his time at both FC Barcelona and Al Sadd. Alegre previously worked in FC Barcelona’s academy before becoming an assistant coach with the Qatar national team.

Torres has worked as a fitness coach and gained experience at clubs including Leeds United. Oscar Hernandez remains Xavi’s trusted right-hand man and will continue that role with the Netherlands.

Ramzi’s appointment gives Oranje a familiar figure from within the KNVB’s own structure. He has managed the Netherlands Under-19 team and previously coached the Under-18 side.

The KNVB recruited Ramzi in 2024. Before joining the association, the former Morocco international striker had worked at PSV Eindhoven, where he served as assistant coach of the first team and manager of Jong PSV.

Xavi’s appointment had come as a surprise earlier this month, when he was chosen to replace Koeman as Netherlands manager. The KNVB has now confirmed the group that will support the former Spain midfielder as he takes charge of the national side.

His staff combines experienced Dutch figures, including Van Nistelrooij, Lodewijks and Ramzi, with coaches who have worked alongside him in Spain and Qatar. The completed team will operate under Xavi as the Netherlands begin the next phase of their international programme.