Schanzer pull Schönfeld up
©IMAGO
Markusbeginn receives support at Fortuna Düsseldorf in the form of another assistant coach alongside Florian Junge: Pro license holder Ilia Gruev is moving from FC Ingolstadt 04, where he was part of Sabrina Wittmann’s coaching team since summer 2024, to the second division club. The previous U21 coach Patrick Schönfeld will take over his role at the Schanzer.
“I’m really looking forward to my new role at Fortuna Düsseldorf. The club stands for passion, tradition and clear sporting ambitions,” said Gruev in a message on the traditional club’s website. “Together with head coach Markus beginning and the entire coaching team, I would like to do my part to ensure that we achieve our goals this season. The discussions with those responsible were very open and appreciative right from the start” There is a clear plan at Fortuna that everyone is pursuing together. “This common understanding convinced me to accept the offer. My thanks also go to those responsible at FC Ingolstadt, who made my move possible during the current season.”
Ingolstadt’s sports director Dietmar Beiersdorfer said: “Ilia Gruev approached us with the desire to change careers and take on a new challenge at Fortuna Düsseldorf. From day one, Ilia has been committed to our club with great passion, a high level of expertise and full commitment. He is not only a reliable and clever person in his role, but also a person who enjoys working together has always exemplified and helped shape our team. His attitude, his character and his commitment leave a lasting impression on FC Ingolstadt 04. We wish Ilia all the best for his future journey – both professionally and privately.”
Gruev has extensive experience as an assistant coach. He has already worked in this position at, among others, Arminia Bielefeld, where he was also responsible for one game as interim coach for the first team in 2022/23, Werder Bremen, MSV Duisburg and 1. FC Kaiserslautern.