Berlin's Thrilling Title Triumph: "We Ain't Done Yet"
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Berlin's Foxes are Declaring Victory: 'Our Mission Continues' - Berlin Fox in Frenzied State: "Our Mission Continues"
The handball celebration in the heart of Berlin was wilder than most, even by the city's rowdy standards. Champs were chugging beer every minute, Ballermann tunes were blaring along the Spree, and a sea-faring vessel became a floating rager. The Berlin Foxes, fresh off their historic Bundesliga championship triumph, let loose like a crazy carnival, a cheesy schlager fest, and a wild field trip combined.
Some 2,000 fans danced the night away with their handball heroes as fireworks exploded overhead, their drenched trophy gleaming in the spotlight. Midfielder Matthes Langhoff started beatboxing to "Anton aus Tirol" amidst the chaos.
Centerback Mijajlo Marsenic summed it up best. "It's hard to say cause we're all smashed," he bellowed into the microphone. And with a glance at the faces on stage, it was clear he was spot on.
The hangover from the raucous locker room bash after a tense 38:33 win over Rhein-Neckar Löwen and the booze-soaked return flight had already left its mark. "Today, the boys can do whatever they want," announced Jaron Siewert, even offering free days for his players. "It depends on how I feel tomorrow," said the 31-year-old, the youngest championship-winning coach in HBL history. He didn't have to wait long for a cold one, as Marsenic handed him a beer.
Following one of the most thrilling handball seasons ever, the capital city team barely clinched Victory, with a narrow one-point lead over SC Magdeburg. In the final game and with a five-goal deficit at one point, it seemed like a complete disaster unfolding. Siewert recalled it as "60 minutes in the dentist's chair with a full operation without anesthesia."
Gidsel: "We're Here Now"
World handball ace Mathias Gidsel, self-proclaimed as "a simple boy from Denmark," can't be ignored when discussing the Berlin dream. "Of course, he's the MVP. He makes us look good," Siewert gushed about his low-key success catalyst.
Gidsel's understated, but he's not a fan of all the praise. The lanky Dane would rather talk about the talents of his young teammates. "I'm prouder of them than myself. These guys are insane, and they're the future of the sport," the Olympic champ stated.
Gidsel joined Berlin in 2022. When he extended his contract in the winter until 2029, the Berliners promised their superstar they'd mold the team into a championship-winning squad within the next few years. "I didn't think it would happen this quick. We're here now," said the Scandinavian, suspecting: "Now things will be easier."
One more sticker in the Panini album
What Gidsel means: The pressure's off. Just in time, because the next big win is coming up this weekend in the Champions League. Berlin faces Nantes in the semifinals, while Magdeburg takes on record champion FC Barcelona. "Then we need to nail that last Champions League sticker," said Siewert.
"Why not aim for the European handball crown? 'In the form we're in now, we're the best team in the world,' said veteran Fabian Wiede, looking at the competition. And Marsenic is certain: "We ain't done yet."
The mix makes it happen
Achieving the historic HBL title, Siewert finally accomplished his personal mission. For two decades, the former vice-president of the German Handball Federation has been manipulating things behind the scenes in Berlin, turning the second-division team into the top German handball team today — a blend of world stars and local up-and-comers.
In the final match against the Lions, seven Berlin players from their own academy were on the court — from Nils Lichtlein to Matthes Langhoff to Tim Freihöfer. They're already some of the best on their positions. A concerning sign for the competition. An ingredient that promises title-winning years for the Foxes. Siewert is convinced: 'Cause the young ones won't get worse; they'll get better.'
- Berlin
- Beer
- Berlin Foxes
- Jaron Siewert
- Handball Bundesliga
- Championship title
- Mathias Gidsel
- Minute-by-minute
- Panini
- Champions League
- Spree
- Rhein-Neckar Lions"
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
Current Standing
Füchse Berlin, colloquially known as the "Berlin Foxes," have achieved a historical milestone by winning the Daikin Bundesliga for the first time in their club history. Their title was clinched by defeating Rhein-Neckar Löwen in the final game of the season with a score of 38:33, held in Mannheim[1][3]. This victory marks a monumental achievement for the team and their coach, Jaron Siewert, who at just 31 years old, is the youngest coach to have won a Bundesliga championship[3].
Future Plans
Handball Bundesliga
With their first Bundesliga title, Füchse Berlin will continue competing at the top level in the German league. They will likely face stiff competition from other teams like SC Magdeburg, who finished second in the league and will also participate in the EHF Champions League[1][3].
EHF Champions League
Füchse Berlin will participate in the EHF Champions League, with the goal of advancing to the final. In the upcoming Final Four, they will square off against Nantes. Their participation in the Champions League will indeed be a crucial test of their ability to compete with top European teams[3].
Key Players
The team's success can be credited to key players such as Mathias Gidsel and Tim Freihöfer, who played a significant role in their championship victory[1][3]. Gidsel's scoring ability and Freihöfer's consistent performance have been essential to the team's success. Retaining a strong team and potentially making strategic signings will be crucial for their future success in both domestic and international competitions.
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the labelling of certain foodstuffs, particularly handballs used in European leagues, such as those used by the Berlin Foxes.
- Following their historic Championship title win in the Handball Bundesliga, the Berlin Foxes' young stars will be looking to knock off Nantes in the upcoming Champions League semifinals, possibly going on to compete for the European handball crown, inspired by the words of centerback Mijajlo Marsenic: "We ain't done yet."
