Saarbrücken will host the 2025 HYLO Champions League Final 4 on May 31 and June 1, bringing together four of Europe’s top clubs. In the semifinal, hosts 1. FC Saarbrücken TT will take on Polish challengers KS Global Pharma Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów, who made headlines with a remarkable comeback in the quarterfinals. In an all-Polish thriller, they overcame KS Dekorglass Działdowo to reach their first-ever Champions League Men Final 4.
Representing Suchedniów will be Robert FLORAS, Deni KOZUL, Mateusz ZALEWSKI, and Jeongwoo PARK, aiming to extend their historic run.
The German powerhouse will line up with a star-studded squad: Patrick FRANZISKA, Darko JORGIĆ, Cedric MEISSNER, Eduard IONESCU, Truls MOREGÅRD, and Yuto MURAMATSU.
KOZUL, who recently competed at the ITTF World Championships in Doha, shared his mindset heading into the big weekend:
“I had a bit of time to rest after Qatar, but the Final Four has always been on my mind. That helps – mentally, I’ve stayed focused. It’s an important competition, and everyone wants to be 100 percent ready.”
Preparations are already underway.
“After so many international tournaments and the World Championships, it’s difficult to coordinate everyone’s schedules. My Korean teammate PARK Jeongwoo has already arrived in Germany, so we can train together and it will help him adjust to the time difference. Robert and Mateusz are preparing at their training centers in Poland. On Friday, we’ll all be together for our final practice and match tactics.”
Speaking about the upcoming semifinal, KOZUL added:
“We know it will be a tough match. Saarbrücken has top-class players like FRANZISKA, MOREGÅRD, and my good friend and teammate Darko JORGIĆ. It’s also something special – we’ve made history for Slovenian table tennis by having two players in different teams at the Champions League Final 4. We’re the underdogs, but the pressure is on the other side. We’ve already shown we’re not afraid of anyone. Even when things looked lost, we came back, our team spirit and chemistry are amazing. I really can’t wait for the match to start.”
KOZUL reflected on the key strengths of both sides:
“Our main strength is our team spirit and belief in ourselves. On paper, they’re better, but we’re eager to surprise. It’s just one match, and with a bit of luck, we hope to reach the final. Saarbrücken’s strength is definitely the quality and experience of their players, but that also comes with pressure. We’ll enter the match with a clear head and fighting spirit. I believe in myself, my teammates, and this club.”
