Berlin's power tussle concludes with Kretzschmar stepping down at season's end
Füchse Berlin is facing uncertain times, as Stephan Kretzschmar, the club's sports director and handball legend, announced he will not renew his contract at the end of the season. His decision comes amidst a power struggle with club boss Bob Hanning, causing heated debates and unrest behind the scenes.
In a surprising turn of events, Kretzschmar's decision has also raised questions about the future of head coach Jaron Siewert, whose contract also expires in the summer. Siewert, who has been coaching Füchse Berlin since 2020, expressed a desire to continue with the Bundesliga team and mentioned feeling comfortable in Berlin.
President Frank Steffel fueled the rumors by stating that Hanning should consider when is the best time to make a change. The rumors about a new coach for Füchse Berlin continue to persist, with former Flensburg coach Nicolej Krickau being mentioned as a potential successor to Siewert.
Hanning, who plans to step down from his position in three years, is focusing on securing the future of the club he built. He described some of Kretzschmar's statements as questionable. Initially, Hanning was not available for a statement regarding Kretzschmar's decision.
Kretzschmar wrote on Instagram that public discussions about the strategic direction are not good for the club and he is making his decision public to relieve media pressure and focus on the club's ambitious goals for the season. He regretted his decision greatly, as Füchse Berlin were surprised by it.
The Berliners' press release did not address the personnel change, but the future of the coaching staff remains uncertain. Hanning wanted to make a decision in peace in the fall, but the public discussion of personnel policy at Berlin, not least due to Kretzschmar's statements, was not to his liking.
Paul Drux, who had to retire early last season due to an injury, is expected to take over the club in the best possible condition, in line with Hanning's plans. Drux, a long-time Foxes captain, is set to become Hanning's successor.
Kretzschmar's decision has caused a stir at Füchse Berlin and intensified the conflict with club boss Bob Hanning. Despite the uncertainties, Siewert will be personally affected by the immediate termination of his role as head coach of German handball club Füchse Berlin in September 2025, with Dane Nicolej Krickau taking over both the coaching and sports director positions at the club.
