History repeating?

Olympic and World champion, currently – according to many experts – the best goalkeeper in the world… Thierry Omeyer is one of the key figures in the successes of THW Kiel. In an interview with Eurohandball.com, the Frenchman talks about his outstanding season and the next match against Zagreb. The “Zebras” hope to reach the CL semi-final for the third consecutive time. Omeyer enjoys playing together with another French goalkeeper after Kiel signed Bruno Martini to replace the young Andreas Palicka, who was injured.

Eurohandball.com: After the equaliser in the first match in Zagreb last Sunday, THW are the favourites against the Croatians on home court. Do you agree?

Omeyer: The draw was a very good result, as the door of the semi-final is wide open. We have good chances to reach the semi-final again as we only need a victory – even by a goal.

Eurohandball.com: Kiel are unbeaten on home court this season. In the Champions League you won all matches, in the Bundesliga you made a draw in the first round. Do you think that such dominance at home can be decisive for the game against Zagreb?

Omeyer: Yes, we are playing an outstanding season, not only on home court. But you have to remember one thing: last season we didn’t lose a home match in the Champions League before the final. And we didn’t win the title due to a defeat from Ciudad Real. One defeat and everything is over. You never know what happens, so you have to be aware.

Eurohandball.com: Do you respect Zagreb, even as Kiel are the favourites?

Omeyer: Yes of course. Zagreb are a team with a lot of world class players. If we want to win this match, we have to play very well and we need the support of our spectators.

Eurohandball.com: This season Kiel played 41 official matches up to date. The balance is great: one defeat in Ciudad Real, a draw in the Bundesliga, a draw in Zagreb and 38 victories. Are you unbeatable this season?

Omeyer: No team in the whole world is unbeatable. We play very well since the start of the season after a draw against Dormagen in the Bundesliga. But every match starts from 0:0 and every team is highly motivated against us. So we have to fight for every point, for every victory.

Eurohandball.com: Your performance is vitally important in these victories. Are you currently playing your best season ever?

Omeyer: I’m totally satisfied so far with what has happened. Becoming Olympic champion and World champion with France and all the success with Kiel… Maybe it’s the best and most successful season of my life. But with Kiel we have some objectives ahead of us.

Eurohandball.com: Another Frenchmen joined the team two weeks ago, goalkeeper Bruno Martini. He had retired two years ago, but will substitute Andreas Palicka now. Is it a special feeling to play together with him?

Omeyer: Very special for us, French. It’s a great feeling to play again with him. Together we won the Champions League with Montpellier in 2003 – and maybe we can repeat this historical success.