As the Machineseeker EHF Champions League play-offs approach, excitement fills the air with the first leg, Industria Kielce facing Füchse Berlin this week. Among those with firsthand experience from both sides, Tobias Reichmann stands out. A notable player born in Berlin, he joined Füchse at age 36 last year after a career marked by success, including a significant chapter with THW Kiel where he secured two Champions League titles.
Reichmann’s finest year was undoubtedly 2016, a whirlwind of triumph that saw him become the sole male athlete to achieve both EHF EURO champion and EHF Champions League winner in the same year. “2016 was the year of my life. I won all three trophies in Poland and the Champions League with Kielce,” he recalls, highlighting his achievements, including a bronze medal at the Rio Olympics.
His unforgettable moment came during the intense 2016 EHF Champions League final against Veszprém, where his team was trailing 19:28 with just 14 minutes left. With true sportsmanship, they transformed despair into determination. “Never ever on this level can you turn around a match with this result,” he reflects. Their comeback, although initially doubtful, sent shockwaves through the court as Kielce not only fought back but pushed into overtime, proceeding to a penalty shootout.
Despite a daunting deficit, Kielce’s resilience brought them victory. Reichmann not only scored the crucial penalty but also joined the ranks of only three German players to secure three EHF Champions League trophies. His decision to transition from the Bundesliga to play abroad raised eyebrows, yet he stands by his choice: “If they called me today again and I was young, I would do the same thing again.”
In his three years with Kielce, Reichmann won multiple titles. The camaraderie brimming with former Bundesliga stars nurtured his success. “I could not dream of how successful we were at that time,” he acknowledges. However, he faced familial challenges early on, as they left Poland before him, leading him back to Germany in 2017, playing for various clubs until an unexpected offer came from Rhein-Neckar Löwen in 2024.
Despite setbacks, opportunities arose when Füchse Berlin reached out to him, allowing him to live his dream of playing for a club in his home city. Contributing notably to the team, he scored 28 goals in eight Champions League matches before needing to retire for personal reasons. Nonetheless, Reichmann remains committed to the sport and aims to mentor young players in the future.
With the champions facing off shortly, Reichmann is enthusiastic about the match-up. “It will be a fifty-fifty duel. Kielce have more experience in playing knock-out matches, while Berlin has home advantage,” he says, hoping to relive the atmosphere of Kielce. As his past with both clubs unfolds in this critical match, he stands steadfast in his support for Füchse, reflecting on the time that has flown since he last donned their colours.
Tobias Reichmann reflects on his extraordinary career, especially 2016 when he became an EHF EURO champion and EHF Champions League winner. With experience at both THW Kiel and Füchse Berlin, he anticipates their upcoming clash in the play-offs. Despite retirement, Reichmann aims to continue his involvement in handball, focusing on mentoring young players.
In summary, Tobias Reichmann’s illustrious career spans remarkable moments, notably his astounding achievements in 2016 when he won multiple prestigious titles. His experiences with both THW Kiel and Füchse Berlin enrich his insights as these teams clash in the EHF Champions League play-offs. Throughout his journey, he has embraced challenges, fostered relationships within the handball community, and now looks forward to nurturing the next generation of players, ensuring his legacy continues in the sport.
Original Source: ehfcl.eurohandball.com
