12th title for Hypo

“We’re going all out in the Champions League!”

The Hypo volleyball players celebrated the 12th championship title in the club's history.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The Hypo-Riesen were crowned Austrian volleyball champions for the twelfth time. The Tyrolean smash heroes beat Hartberg 4:0 in the best-of-7 series. However, manager Hannes Kronthaler is already looking to the future: "We want to go all out in the Champions League."

Champagne shower, jerseys with the words "Vice-Champion" printed on them, cheers in the stands - Hartberg stole the show from the victorious Hypo volleyball players at the official ceremony in their home arena.

"Congratulations to Hartberg"
Hypo manager Hannes Kronthaler followed the event with a smile: "Congratulations to Hartberg. They have played a great season. We're not as happy as we were the first time because we're used to it, but it's always nice."

Hartberg were a worthy opponent in the final. I'm very happy that we won so clearly.

Hypo-Tirol-Trainer Stefan Chrtiansky

It was the twelfth title in the club's history for the Hypo-Riesen. Champion Stefan Chrtiansky's team won the best-of-7 series 4:0 for the fourth time: "Hartberg was a worthy opponent in the final. I'm very happy that we won so clearly."

Crucially, the Tyroleans also overcame injuries to Mihkel Varblane and Arthur Nath on their way to the title. National player Nikolai Grabmüller dropped out early in the fourth final game. "The injury was a shock, but we reacted really well. Everyone gave ten percent more," explained captain Niklas Kronthaler after the clear 3:0 victory.

Farewell to coach Chrtiansky
Sentimental tears were shed at the party on the bus ride back to Innsbruck. Long-term coach Chrtiansky announced his retirement, but the soon-to-be 62-year-old will continue as sporting director: "It's time for someone younger to take over and bring in new input. I'm looking forward to becoming a grandfather. The time will come in the summer and we're looking forward to it as a family."

Seven players leave the club
There will also be new faces in the team. The contracts of Milan Jovanovic, Nicola Salsi, Timothy McIntosh, Luan Weber, Mihkel Varblane and Cameron Branch will not be extended, while home-grown player Niklas Jeschko wants to concentrate on his medical studies.

This is not a completely new situation for manager Kronthaler, as the Tyrolean construction lion has often completely rebuilt his team during the summer break over the past 25 years. This time it will be son and captain Niklas Kronthaler. "We will certainly get stronger. We want to fully attack again next year in the Champions League."