The Spanish-born coach, who is also the manager of the French national team, decided to resign after being eliminated from the Champions League and the Polish Cup, 10 years after arriving at Kielce.
European handball was shaken by the news of Talant Dujshebaev’s resignation as head coach of Kielce. The emblematic coach submitted his resignation with immediate effect, ending a reign of more than 10 years at the Polish club.
The decision comes at a delicate sporting moment for the team. Kielce was recently defeated in the Polish Cup final by rival Wisła Płock, a team that also beat them in the regular season of the championship, relegating them to second place. At the European level, the campaign ended in the round of 16 of the Champions League, with elimination against Pick Szeged.
In an official statement, the Polish club clarified that the departure came from the coach himself, who was “convinced that the team needs a new impetus to compete effectively in the most important phase of the season.” The separation was agreed upon “in mutual understanding” and with “a sense of responsibility for the future of the group,” aiming for a positive short-term boost.
Since his arrival in 2014, Dujshebaev shaped Kielce’s identity, transforming it into a European powerhouse. His contribution is described by the club as “invaluable,” having led the team to “a season full of emotions, great victories, and unforgettable moments.”
The record built under his leadership is vast and includes winning the Champions League in 2016, reaching two more finals in 2022 and 2023, and overwhelming dominance domestically, with multiple Polish championships won between 2015 and 2023, in addition to several Cups and a Super Cup.
For the immediate future, the team will be led by Krzysztof Lijewski, who will take on the responsibility of guiding Kielce in the semi-finals of the championship playoffs and keeping the team in the title race. The club also informed that the official tributes to Dujshebaev will be postponed, in the hope that they can take place “in a full arena, during a very important game”.
Meanwhile, Talant Dujshebaev has begun a new chapter in his career, taking charge of the French national team, a challenge to which he can now dedicate himself exclusively.
