Piet Cremers has left his role with the Wales national team to become head coach of Club NXT, Club Brugge’s youth academy side who compete in the Belgian second tier. The 31-year-old Dutchman replaces Jonas De Roeck in the role.
“I am proud to be joining Club NXT. Club Brugge’s clear soccer vision and focus on talent development align perfectly with my approach,” Cremers told the Club Brugge website. “I look forward to working with the staff to create an environment where players can develop to their full potential and be ready for the step up to the first team.” The Football Association of Wales said it “would like to thank Cremers for his work with the Cymru men’s national team and wish him the best for the future.”
Cremers and Wales boss Craig Bellamy have a well-established working relationship, having previously served together as assistant coaches under Vincent Kompany at Burnley. During that spell, Burnley stormed to the Championship title in 2023 and, although they lasted only one season in the Premier League, their performances convinced Bayern Munich to hire Kompany as their manager. Cremers also spent four years working as an analyst with Guardiola at Manchester City before his time at Burnley.
When Bellamy took charge of Wales and assembled his coaching staff, Cremers was among the first he called. During matches, Bellamy would consult Cremers and his screen in the dugout, analysing the game in real time, watching replays, and processing data to inform tactical decisions. When asked what Cremers brought to his Wales set-up, Bellamy had one answer: “Everything.”
Cremers’ departure comes shortly after talks over Bellamy potentially leaving Wales for Championship club Burnley collapsed. The FAW confirmed last week that the 46-year-old’s possible move to Turf Moor was off, meaning Bellamy remains in charge of the Welsh national side without his long-trusted analyst by his side.
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
