18.09.2015, 11:50
Former teammates collide

FACE TO FACE: Omeyer and Andersson, two of the world's best goalkeepers will clash in a mouth-watering Group A encounter

Former teammates collide

Thierry Omeyer is soon again to step onto the Flens-Arena court, one he has played on every single year in the seven seasons wore the THW Kiel jersey.

It's one that has been quite kind to him since he only lost there three times during this period.

"I've always enjoyed playing in this arena - the fans are very passionate," the French goalkeeper recalls, as he prepares to travel to north Germany with PSG.

"As an ex-Kieler though, I don't expect too much cheering in my direction," he laughs.

He will not be the only one who knows the Flens-Arena well, since Nikola Karabatic, Igor Vori, Daniel Narcisse have all played there many times in the past, and their new coach Noka Serdarusic has even been coach at SG Flensburg Handewitt for three years.

"We're expecting a really tough game against a team which is one of the favourites of the competition,” Omeyer says, while his alter-ego Mattias Andersson profusely praises his soon-to-be opponent:

“Of course, it is a very tough challenge for us to start our Champions League campaign with. Paris are stronger than ever, and there is no doubt that we will have to be at our absolutely best to be able to win.”

And if Thierry Omeyer is looking forward to meeting Flensburg again, maybe it's because he will face Andersson, a man he shared the THW Kiel goalkeeper position for two seasons (from 2006 to 2008).

“Mattias is a great professional, someone I've really enjoyed working with and who I enjoy spending some time with when we meet,” he says.
The Swede, on the other hand, spoke about Titi’s ability to “be good at hitting his peak when it was most needed. He was a fantastic goalkeeper when we played together in Kiel, and he still is now.”

Omeyer praises Andersson ability to “change the course of a game. He's a man who can set a crowd on fire, especially on his home court, and make it very difficult for the opponent to score. This is something we know, and something we'll try to avoid.”

Since their mutual experience, they have parted ways, Omeyer staying until 2013 in Kiel before moving to Montpellier, then to Paris while Andersson moved to Grosswallstadt before making it back to the Danish border in 2011.

Together, the pair won the EHF Champions League in 2007 with THW Kiel, a great memory for both men.

Now, Omeyer is almost 39 while Andersson has just turned 37.

“A proof that quality isn't altered by age,” says Omeyer, quite aware that neither of them is ready to stop their careers just yet.

Andersson and Omeyer's performances will be key in the flow of the game, confirms the SG goalkeeper: “On this level, matches are usually decided in the defence and in the goalkeeper position.

“So, obviously, the match-up in the goalkeeper position is crucial, but there may be so many other match-ups in this game, so it is very exciting.”
With squads as impressive as these two, it's hard to know who will have the more crucial role.

“Flensburg and PSG have two of the most impressive rosters in the Champions League, it's hard to say who or what will make the difference,” explains the Olympic, World and European defending champion, while Andersson has a small idea how Flensburg could win:

“All goalkeepers have weaknesses, and that goes for Titi too, but I am not going to reveal them here. I just hope we can spot them Saturday and benefit from them!”

TEXT: Kevin Domas / bc