Since stepping into the head coach role at FTC-Telekom in 2023, Balázs Nyéki has guided the Budapest powerhouse through an extraordinary transformation. With 46 wins in 47 games, an unbeaten domestic record, and just one narrow penalty shootout defeat in Europe, FTC are knocking on the door of history as they head into the 2025 Champions League Final Four in Malta.

“Our final result in Malta will have a big impact on how we evaluate the season overall,” Nyéki tells Waterpolo360. “But I think the journey so far has been nothing short of remarkable. We’ve had great games, and even when our performance dipped a bit, we still managed to win—and win convincingly.”

The numbers support his sentiment: FTC have dominated the Hungarian league and cup, and marched through the Champions League group stages with style. But Nyéki is quick to dismiss any narrative of effortlessness.

“Out of 47 matches, we’ve only failed to win once, but I wouldn’t call it an easy season. We’ve been dominant, no doubt, but the Champions League Final Four is a different world.”

A Gathering of Giants

FTC will meet CN Marseille in the semi-finals, while the other side of the bracket pits Barceloneta against Novi Beograd. The level of competition is, as Nyéki puts it, “the elite of water polo.”

“Every team in this year’s Final Four had to earn their spot—getting this far is incredibly tough. I think it’s fair to say the very best teams are here. Some might’ve expected Olympiacos to be among the top four, but Novi Beograd and Marseille absolutely deserved to advance.”

As for FTC’s semifinal opponents, the respect is clear.

“Marseille had a rough start to the season, but I was always confident they’d bounce back. Even before the season, I had the feeling that if we didn’t meet them in the quarter-finals, we’d face them in the semis—and that’s exactly how it played out. We actually trained with them in Marseille during pre-season, so we know exactly how strong they are.”

“They’ve grown a lot over the last six months, both individually and as a unit. Right now, I see them as one of the strongest teams in Europe—which was already my opinion before the season started.”

Preparation and Pressure

Although FTC were seen as underdogs at last year’s Final Four, they arrive in Malta this time as many people’s favourites.

“This is definitely a different situation. Last year, we weren’t considered front-runners in the Champions League, even though we aimed to win it. That hasn’t changed—but now there’s more external pressure because people see us as a favorite.”

Rather than fearing the pressure, Nyéki believes it can serve as motivation.

“That can be a challenge, but it can also boost confidence. We’ll see how it affects the players mentally. What I’ve seen throughout the season is a team that always steps into the pool with confidence. I trust that’ll continue.”

FTC’s preparations are rooted in routine—but with a clear edge of precision.

“The Final Four build-up is a bit different, but our approach is quite similar to last year—we’ve developed a solid routine. There’s still physical work to be done… but most of the focus is now on fine-tuning tactical elements.”

“We know the areas we need to improve and where we’ve shown weaknesses. That’s where our energy will go. And just as important is keeping the mood right—mental readiness will be key when we arrive in Malta.”

Lessons from Barcelona

FTC’s only setback this season came in a penalty shootout defeat to Atlètic-Barceloneta. Nyéki doesn’t shy away from it—instead, he sees value in the stumble.

“I wouldn’t say that loss changed us, but it was a helpful reminder that we’re not invincible. It reinforced the need to give maximum effort—not just in games, but in every single training session.”

“It was a wake-up call: our motivation and work ethic must stay sharp every day. I actually said after the match that it was a valuable loss. It exposed issues we needed to address, and the way the team responded showed great character.”

The Road, the Growth, the Goal

Nyéki has been a central figure in FTC’s rise—first as a player, then assistant coach, and now as the architect of a potential back-to-back Champions League dynasty.

“I’ve always believed in growth—that’s how I started, first as assistant coach, then youth coach at Fradi. Since becoming head coach, I’ve continued to evolve. I see this as a shared journey with the team. They challenge me to be better every day.”

“I’ve always valued honest relationships with my players, and that won’t change—no matter the results. Sure, success changes how people see you and raises expectations, but it hasn’t changed who I am at my core.”

With a second consecutive title in reach, Nyéki knows the weight of what’s at stake.

“No Hungarian team has ever defended the Champions League title—and we want to be the first. To lift that trophy in back-to-back years would be an incredible milestone for the club and for all of us.”

Still Focused on the Now

As for the possibility of facing CNAB or Novi Beograd in the final?

“I’m not thinking about the other semi-final, and we shouldn’t be discussing who we’d prefer to face. We know all the teams, but right now our only focus is ourselves.”

Even with all eyes on FTC, Nyéki refuses to get drawn into hypotheticals. Every match is treated the same way: with complete commitment.

“If people see us as favorites, that’s something to appreciate—you never know how long it will last. We absolutely want to win the Champions League again this year, and if we fall short, yes, it will be a disappointment. But it won’t break us—we’ll keep building.”

One Last Push

“In many ways, the seasons mirror each other,” Nyéki says, comparing this year to 2024. “And I believe that just like last year, we deserve to lift the trophy again.”

The difference this time? Legacy. If FTC triumph in Malta, they won’t just win a trophy—they’ll cement their place in water polo history.

See more on Waterpolo 360’s Champions League Homepage

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