Ivan Runje may return to Jagiellonia Białystok as coach Adrian Siemieniec considers adding former defender to staff
Adrian Siemieniec is reportedly weighing the addition of former Jagiellonia defender Ivan Runje to his coaching staff. The 36-year-old Croat would return to a club where he spent seven seasons.
Former defender in the frame for a coaching role
Jagiellonia Białystok head coach Adrian Siemieniec is still shaping his backroom team, and a familiar name has surfaced as a possible addition. Local outlet Dzień Dobry Podlaskie reports that Siemieniec is considering bringing Ivan Runje back to the club in a staff role (Jagiellonia Białystok może go zatrudnić. Siemieniec rozważa współpracę – magiapilki.pl) (Wielki powrót do Jagiellonii Białystok?! „Adrian Siemieniec się zastanawia” – Transfery.info) (Powrót jagiellońskiej legendy? Z galerii sław na ławkę trenerską? – ddb24.pl).
Career at the club
Runje played for Jagiellonia from 2016 to 2023 and made 155 appearances, mostly as a centre-back. He is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the club's modern history and is included in the club's Hall of Fame, displayed on the Stadion Miejski facade. He left in January 2023 and announced his retirement shortly after, citing knee problems.
Coaching experience
After retiring, Runje began coaching at NK Adriatic Split, where he worked with the 2016 age group.
Current staff
Siemieniec added Hermes as assistant coach earlier in the year. Whether Runje would take a formal position or another role has not been confirmed, and no official announcement has been made.
Club traditions
Jagiellonia has a record of bringing former players back. Tomasz Frankowski returned after his successful career, and Bartosz Mazurek has said he would like to finish his playing career at the club.
Sources
- #IvanRunje
- #JagielloniaBiałystok
- #AdrianSiemieniec
- #CoachingStaff
- #JagielloniaCoach
- #FormerDefender
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Ivan Runje may return to Jagiellonia Białystok as coach Adrian Siemieniec considers adding former defender to staff
Adrian Siemieniec is reportedly weighing the addition of former Jagiellonia defender Ivan Runje to his coaching staff. The 36-year-old Croat would return to a…