New goalkeeping era for Kiel

Whether it is one more lap to run, a strenuous training session or a swarm of tennis balls being thrown at the goal - Andreas Palicka remains happy.

The Swedish goalkeeper certainly had a part to play in last season’s German league and cup victories with THW Kiel, but the situation has changed dramatically over the summer.

The 27-year-old finally left the shadow of legendary keeper Thierry Omeyer, who was the clear number one at Kiel before his departure to Montpellier a the end of last season.

Now Andreas Palicka forms a new goalkeeping pair, alongside a good friend, the half year younger Johan Sjostrand.

Both Swedes are set to form a strong team, worthy of keeping the THW Kiel goal.

"We know what the other can do and how he thinks, that will be an advantage for THW, but it will take a few weeks until everything will work 100 per cent,” said Palicka.

The philosophy has changed immediately after Omeyer’s departure from a dominant first choice to a rotating duo.

“Many people think that we will be at a lower level with two young goalkeepers.
 
"We see it in another way. Both keepers work in the Swedish national team very well together - and this will be no different in Kiel,” said THW coach Alfred Gislason.

Good understanding

The goalkeepers have been friends for over a decade. Johan Sjostrand comes from Skovde, Andreas Palicka from Lund.

The first time the pair met was at the age of 15, when both were invited to a youth national team meeting in Helsingborg.

"We met on the handball court and found each other immediately appealing. It was probably the similar sense of humor that brought us immediately on the same wavelength,” said the two keepers.

The two have also had plenty of major tournaments to get to know each other. In 2007, they celebrated winning the Junior World Championship, played together at the senior event in 2009 and the EHF EURO 2012.

Off the court, they went to Greece on holiday and when Andreas Palicka got married two years ago, Johan Sjostrand wat naturally on the on the guest list.

However, playing together in the same club jersey is a new experience for the duo. While Andreas Palicka joined Kiel in 2008, his compatriot decided only recently signed his three-year contract after stints with Flensburg, Barcelona and Aalborg.

Both enjoy a friendship that reduces the natural rivalry among professional athletes.

"We want save as many shots as possible to help THW win matches,” says Andreas Palicka with a smile and Johan Sjöstrand nods his head in agreement.