06.10.2011, 03:51
Omeyer: "A very special game"

When THW Kiel meet Montpellier on Sunday, French goalkeeper Thierry Omeyer will play against his former and his future club.

Omeyer: "A very special game"

In his glittering career, French goalkeeping legend Thierry Omeyer has already won 38 prestigious titles: Olympic gold medal, World Cup or EHF Champions League – the 34-year-old goalkeeper from THW Kiel has won everything there is to win.

Before the VELUX EHF Champions League game against his former and future club Montpellier Agglomeration HB the French national team player spoke to ehfCL.com.

Thierry Omeyer: Yes, of course, only in season 2001/02 I was part of another competition. That year I played in the EHF Cup Winners’ Cup with Montpellier. Since then I have always been in the EHF Champions League.

Thierry Omeyer: All three were very nice. In 2003 we had lost the first leg final with eight goals with Montpellier. The way we turned the second match was incredible, nobody had expected that. When I moved to Kiel in 2006, I did it to win championships. That the first year finished with the EHF Champions League title was sensational. And in 2010 it was the first VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne. Those were two great days for handball.

Thierry Omeyer: Last spring the disappointment was huge for us when we lost in quarter-final. This time we really want to be in Cologne again.

Thierry Omeyer: It is a tough group and Leon, Montpellier and Copenhagen are strong opponents. I am sure that we will manage to qualify for the next round. But it is also important that we achieve a good ranking, so that the opponents in the Last 16 and the quarter-finals will not be too difficult.

Thierry Omeyer: Four years ago that was a very special game for me – and now it will be again. I will meet many friends and acquaintances. Furthermore, Montpellier for me are the toughest opponents in the group. They also want to VELUX EHF FINAL4. We can expect a tough challenge.

Thierry Omeyer: There were discussions with Montpellier, but also with Kiel about an early contract extension. In France I have the possibility to work as a goalkeeper coach after the end of my career. Also for my family the return is advantageous. For example, my daughter can visit high school in Montpellier. The decision was still difficult. Well. I am glad I have made ​​a decision and that I can concentrate fully on the sport.

Thierry Omeyer: I have a contract with the THW until 2013, and until then would like to have as much fun as possible in Kiel.

Match of the week

The duel of two big guns will be broadcast as a free-of-charge live web stream on ehfTV.com as our featured "Match of the Week", including English commentary of Tom O’Brannagain.

VELUX EHF Champions League, Group Phase, Round 2
Sunday, 9 October 2011, 19:00 hrs (local time)
THW Kiel (GER) vs. Montpellier MAHB (FRA)

ehfTV.com is the official Internet TV platform of the European Handball Federation and offers free live streaming as well as a video on demand service.

TEXT: Jan Kirschner