The 2017 European Under 21 champion and member of Germany’s gold-winning team at the 2021 European Championships, Chantal MANTZ, has taken on a new role at the 2025 European Youth Championships in Ostrava. This time, she is not playing – she is coaching. And not for Germany, but for Belgium.
It’s her first time coaching, her first time as a national coach, and her debut came against none other than her home country, Germany – a challenge that made the occasion even tougher. Germany lived up to expectations, with Mia GRIESEL, Lisa-Sophie WANG, and Eireen KALAITZIDOU defeating Lilou MASSART, Lessia LEWYCKYJ, and Lilly LAFFINEUR in straight matches.
“From the beginning, it was clear that we weren’t likely to cause a surprise against Germany. We tried our best, but they were just too strong. We went into the match hoping we might pull off an upset, but in the end, it wasn’t to be,” said MANTZ.
How did you end up coaching Belgium?
“I’ve been living with Martin ALLEGRO for almost a year now — we’ve been together for nearly three years. I was training with the boys and had some contacts within the Belgian federation. At the time, the junior girls and women’s teams didn’t have a coach, so they approached me and asked if I would be interested. I thought, ‘Yeah, why not? I’ll give it a try and see how it goes.’”
Are you coaching the women’s team as well?
“Yes, because the teams are almost the same — many of the junior girls also play for the senior team. So I agreed to coach both. I had just one week of preparation with the girls before heading straight into the European Championships. We’ll see how things develop in the future, but I’m really happy to have this opportunity.”
Who are your top players?
“In the Under 19 team, our number one is Lilou MASSART. Then we have our number two, Lessia LEWYCKYJ, who is really talented. We also have some promising younger players like Lotte DEMEYER, Lotte NUYTTENS… In the senior team, we have Margo De GRAEFF and Julie VAN HAUWAERT among others. So yes, we have a solid group, and we’ll see what we can achieve.”
What’s your goal for this championship?
“Our main goal is to stay in the first division — that’s our priority. Germany was the strongest team in our group, and we’ve already played them. Tomorrow we’ll face Czechia and Austria – that won’t be easy either. After that, we’ll see how things go, but the focus is definitely on maintaining our position in the top division.”
Are you still playing yourself?
“Yes, I’m still playing, but not for the national team anymore. Just in the German league, semi-professionally, in the first division.”
And how does it feel to be a coach now?
“A bit strange, to be honest. I enjoy it – it’s interesting to see things from the other side. I’m more relaxed now. As a player, you’re always nervous and under pressure. As a coach, I can take a step back. But yes, it’s still a bit strange being the national coach for Belgium instead of Germany. People keep asking me about it, and I’m still getting used to the change — but I’m adapting,” said MANTZ.
