Ex-Champions League manager dies suddenly aged 49 as Aston Villa star pays tribute

Ex-Champions League manager dies suddenly aged 49 as Aston Villa star pays tributeEuropean football was left saddened by the tragic death of Jacek Magiera on Friday, prompting a wave of tributes from his native Poland and across the continentCommentsSportNathan Ridley Senior Sports Reporter21:30, 10 Apr 2026View ImageJacek Magiera has died aged 49(Image: Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)Aston Villa star Matty Cash is among those to have paid tribute to Poland assistant manager Jacek Magiera, who has died aged 49. Magiera, who'd been working with his national team since July 2025, passed away on Friday morning.‌Reports say that the coach collapsed while he was out for a run. Magiera managed Legia Warsaw in the Champions League during the 2016-17 season, famously earning a 3-3 draw at home to the reigning European champions, Real Madrid.‌The Pole won the league title with Legia, just as he did as a player in 2002. Mageira also coached Zaglebie Sosnowiec, Poland's under-19 and under-20 sides, and Slask Wroclaw on two occasions.‌Cash, who's been capped 24 times by Poland, paid tribute on social media. The Villa defender wrote: "Jacek, you were such an amazing guy always with a smile, you will be missed dearly. RIP Legend."WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football's greatest tournament - Buy the Special Edition todayREAD MORE: Injury news from all 20 Premier League teams as Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool face problemsREAD MORE: Nottingham Forest fan dies after FC Porto draw as Europa League clash hit by tragedyCash accompanied his message with three broken heart emojis. The 28-year-old was one of several Poland players to offer their condolences, including captain Robert Lewandowski.‌"Coach, this wasn't how it was supposed to be," Lewandowski posted on X. "Condolences to the family and loved ones."A minute's silence will be held before all professional matches in Poland this weekend. Magi...