Luis Miguel Ramis first stepped onto the LaLiga stage as a player with Real Madrid, later adding a league title to his résumé while representing Deportivo La Coruña. Now 56, his journey back to Spain’s premier division has taken a different route – the managerial path – and he has finally arrived at the helm of Osasuna. After ten years shaping young talent within the famed Real Madrid youth system, followed by another decade navigating the challenges of Spain’s lower leagues, Ramis accepted the Osasuna job this summer. "The chance presented itself, and I felt ready and eager for the test," he told Sky Sports.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for a man who has spent his entire professional life immersed in football, first as a defender and now as a tactician. Osasuna, long regarded as a model club in the country, has consistently over‑performed relative to its modest resources, thanks to a clear strategic vision and a productive academy.
Yet the Pamplona‑based side barely escaped relegation last season, finishing 17th and flirting with the drop zone. The departure of their most valuable asset, Victor Muñoz, to Liverpool added another layer of difficulty. Ramis, however, is not fixated on marquee names.
"I want a collective unit that is disciplined, balanced and shares a common spirit," he explained. "A solid defensive foundation and a team‑first mentality are essential." When he speaks of the "intense physical workload" he imposes on his squad during pre‑season, it reflects a pragmatic approach to preparing the players for the grind ahead. Yet the former centre‑back also appreciates the artistic flair that can emerge on the pitch. He smiled recalling his days alongside Robert Prosinečki at both Real Madrid and Sevilla, a mercurial Croatian who was notorious for lighting up the locker‑room with a cigarette at half‑time, a habit tolerated because of his undeniable talent.
Later, at Deportivo, Ramis shared a dressing‑room with Djalminha, the volatile Brazilian playmaker whose brilliance helped the Galician club clinch the league title at the turn of the millennium. "They were extraordinary teammates who inspired with their skill," Ramis affirmed.
"Personal lives were secondary; what mattered most was mutual respect in the squad." He admits that football has evolved dramatically since his playing days. "Talent remains crucial, and star players still emerge, but the sport has become far more sophisticated in terms of physical preparation," he noted. Modern clubs now boast dedicated nutritionists, sports psychologists, and state‑of‑the‑art facilities, and coaching methods have advanced accordingly. "Today a player must combine ability with professionalism, mental strength and a rigorous lifestyle." Ramis’s decade at Real Madrid’s academy gave him a front‑row seat to the development of future stars, including Martin Ødegaard, who has blossomed into a Premier League standout and captain of Arsenal.
Ramis remembers Ødegaard’s raw ability but stresses that the young Norwegian needed hard work, sacrifice and a competitive edge to fulfil his promise. "Now he’s a benchmark for England and his national team," Ramis said, underscoring a belief that success is built on effort as much as innate skill.
This philosophy aligns perfectly with Osasuna’s long‑standing emphasis on nurturing home‑grown talent. A decade ago, the club boasted the highest proportion of domestic players on the pitch among Europe’s top leagues. Many academy graduates have since cemented places in the first team, and Ramis’s experience with youth development is seen as a valuable asset.
"Having spent many years at La Fábrica, I understand how to guide young prospects," he acknowledged. "If a player is ready, we give him minutes to continue his growth at the highest level." Nevertheless, Ramis is no longer at a development‑only outfit; Osasuna is the premier club of Navarre, now in its eighth consecutive LaLiga season, and the objective is clear: remain competitive and avoid another brush with relegation. "Every club has its own identity and requirements," he observed.
"Our aim is consistency – both in results and in the way the team plays." The manager’s immediate priority is to stabilise the side after a season that saw too many lows. "We want to eliminate the suffering we experienced last year," he declared.
"There will be highs and lows, but we need a steady approach and a clear identity on the field." After years spent helping others make the leap to the top tier, Ramis now faces the personal challenge of guiding Osasuna to a more secure footing in Spain’s elite. The task will test his tactical acumen, his ability to blend youth with experience, and his skill in instilling the disciplined, collective mindset he champions.
As the new campaign approaches, fans will watch closely to see whether Ramis can translate his academy expertise and defensive rigor into tangible progress for a club that dreams of punching above its weight while staying firmly rooted in its proud Navarrese heritage.