Shockwaves in Berlin: Kretzschmar and Siewert Out – Krickau Takes Over Füchse
News of the day, week, and month in German handball!
After Stefan Kretzschmar hinted at leaving the club at the end of the season, it became clear that the relationship between him and Bob Hanning had broken down, and Thursday’s official statement from the club confirmed that further cooperation was impossible.
Alongside Kretzschmar, head coach Jaron Siewert also departed immediately. They will be replaced in both roles—coach and sporting director—by Nicolej Krickau, the Dane who did not particularly shine on the bench of Flensburg, but is credited with paving the way for Mathias Gidsel.
Stefan Kretzschmar:
“After more than five intense and successful years as sporting director of Füchse Berlin, my work ends with immediate effect. This decision by the management hurts, but it creates clarity for all sides and allows the club to reorganize. I look back with pride at what has been achieved and thank the team, the coaching staff, our fans, employees, and shareholders for the successful cooperation. I wish Füchse Berlin all the best in the current season and in the future.”
Füchse managing director Bob Hanning:
“Together with Stefan Kretzschmar we achieved great success and we look back with gratitude for his contributions. Without him, these successes would not have been possible in this form—he guided the club’s development for five years. Our time together has cost us all a lot of strength. In all our decisions, Füchse Berlin always comes first, which is why we have mutually agreed to draw a line here. We wish Stefan all the best for the future and will certainly see each other again in different circumstances.”
The role of sporting leadership will now be taken over by Nicolej Krickau. As both coach and sporting director, the Dane will lead Füchse into the future. Krickau, who most recently worked at SG Flensburg-Handewitt, signed a three-year contract until 2028 and will make his debut in the derby against SC Magdeburg on Saturday at 3:40 p.m. He will be supported by club legend Paul Drux, who will, as of July 1, 2026, act as the link between the team, the coach, and the management.
Managing director Bob Hanning:
“After the developments of the past few days, we felt a fundamental change was necessary. That, at the end of a turbulent 48 hours, it also came to a separation from Jaron is the hardest decision in my 20 years at Füchse. We are very grateful to Jaron for his work and commitment. The last years will always remain in our hearts. But the focus must also be on the future. With Nicolej Krickau, we have secured our candidate of choice for the major challenges ahead. He will leave his mark on the team. We look forward to working with him.”
