From Underdogs to Contenders: FINAL4 Dream Alive for Nantes and Berlin
As the excitement builds for the TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4 2025 in Cologne, the four head coaches of the semi-finalists — HBC Nantes, Füchse Berlin, SC Magdeburg, and Barça — shared their thoughts on the challenge ahead, their opponents, and the significance of reaching this prestigious stage.
Semi-final 1: HBC Nantes vs Füchse Berlin (Saturday, 15.00hrs)
Gregory Cojean (France) – Head Coach, HBC Nantes
Nantes are no strangers to the FINAL4, and coach Gregory Cojean expressed both pride and motivation ahead of the showdown with Füchse Berlin.
“There is a lot of excitement within the team. I could feel that at training this morning. I feel like the guys are releasing the pressure at the moment and that they are ready to start the FINAL4.”
Cojean also addressed the challenge of stopping Berlin’s star right back Mathias Gidsel:
“Well, if you know someone who knows how to, you tell me. Everyone has been trying to do it for a long time, and nobody has been able to yet. He is incredible. He can do his thing for 60 minutes, while a lot of players are tired after 10. We have to try and reduce his impact on the game, but don’t expect him to only score two tomorrow.”
This marks Nantes’ third appearance at the FINAL4 — something Cojean does not take for granted.
“It means a lot for the club. The first time was quite a surprise for everyone, but now we are listed as an outsider at the beginning of the season, which is quite a step up. We are very proud but, in the meantime, we have not won anything, and this is a huge motivation.”
Jaron Siewert (Germany) – Head Coach, Füchse Berlin
For Füchse Berlin, it’s their long-awaited return to the FINAL4, and head coach Jaron Siewert is proud of how his young squad developed over the season.
“It is great to be here, especially after such a tough season. I am amazed at what my players did since September. They have improved every week. They have been learning a lot, especially since a lot of them are quite young, so it’s a fantastic opportunity for the club to be here this weekend.”
Siewert knows Nantes well, and expects a high-paced encounter:
“They are a great team. We have played against them quite a few times recently. Maybe people did not expect to see any of us at the FINAL4, but here we are. It’s going to be a great game, probably with a lot of pace.”
With the Bundesliga title freshly secured, Berlin enter the FINAL4 on a high:
“It’s a huge achievement for the club, as it is reaching the FINAL4. But then we are not here only to be here — we are here to win. I really hope we can deliver this weekend the same way as we did in the Bundesliga.”
