Dariusz Żuraw
Dariusz Żuraw is a Polish professional football manager and former player who was most recently in charge of I liga club Wisła Płock. Besides Poland, he has played in Germany.
Club career
Born in Wieluń, Żuraw began his career in his native Poland, playing for a succession of lower league teams: LZS Ostrówek, LZS Rychłocice, WKS Wieluń, Okocimski KS Brzesko, Zagłębie Lubin.He was spotted by Hannover 96, then of 2. Bundesliga, and moved there on 24 October 2001, making his debut a month later on 28 November 2001 in a DFB-Pokal tie against VfL Wolfsburg II. He immediately enjoyed success, as the club won promotion, comfortably finishing as champions.
Żuraw's first game at the top level was also a memorable occasion as he scored after just 6 minutes against Hamburger SV.
He was a regular fixture in defence during his seven seasons with Hannover 96; in 2004–05, he was just one game away from being an ever-present.
In 2008, he transferred to the Polish Ekstraklasa club Arka Gdynia, on a free transfer from Hannover 96.
International career
Żuraw made one appearance for the Poland national team, in a 3–1 friendly defeat to Belarus on 9 February 2005.Managerial career
Ahead of the 2017–18 season, Żuraw took over as manager at Znicz Pruszków, newly relegated to the third-tier II liga.From 31 March 2019 to 6 April 2021, he served as manager of Ekstraklasa club Lech Poznań.
On 6 September 2022, he was appointed manager of second-tier side Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biała, signing a deal until June 2024. On 3 June 2023, during a press conference following a 4–3 comeback win against Resovia, which saw Podbeskidzie finish the season in 7th, one spot short of promotion play-offs, Żuraw announced he would be leaving the team with immediate effect.
On 26 October 2023, Żuraw took charge of another I liga club Wisła Płock. After losing the last three games of the regular season and missing out on the promotion play-offs by two points, Żuraw left the club by mutual consent on 27 May 2024.
Honours
Manager
Odra Opole- III liga Opole–Silesia: 2012–13
- Polish Cup : 2012–13
- Ekstraklasa Coach of the Month: June 2020, July 2020