Delhi Dynamos coach Josep Gombau secures assistant Jacobo Ramallo from Adelaide United.

WHY Adelaide United has felt the ghost of Delhi Dynamos coach Josep Gombau.

Adelaide United has felt the ghost of Josep Gombau with assistant coach Jacobo Ramallo joining the fellow Spaniard at Delhi Dynamos.

Ramallo, promoted from a development role to Guillermo Amor’s coaching staff in Adelaide’s disappointing 2016-17 title defence, couldn’t resist overtures from Gombau to join his Indian Super League outfit.

United football manager Ante Kovacevic said Ramallo was a valued member of Marco Kurz’s coaching set-up but appreciated his desire to re-unite with the mentor originally brought him to Hindmarsh.

“Jacobo came to Adelaide highly regarded and demonstrated his immense knowledge of football from day one,’ said Kovacevic, who must find a replacement as United steps up its FFA Cup campaign against Queensland Lions in a round of 16 clash on August 29 at Perry Park.

“His understanding of the game was very beneficial for us and his integration with Marco and the coaching staff was seamless.

“It’s unfortunate to be losing him, but we thank him for his contributions to the club and wish him the best for his future.”

However Ramallo’s stint at Hindmarsh wasn’t without controversy.

Brisbane assistant coach Ross Aloisi was served a four-game, A-League ban in March 2017 for making “unnecessary and forceful” contact with Ramallo during a post-match altercation.

Gombau left the Reds in July 2015 ahead of appointment as assistant Socceroos coach to Ange Postecoglou 11 months later. Gombau, who lasted six months in charge of Western Sydney Wanderers before sacked April, has penned a two-year deal to take his high possession style to the Dynamos.