Handball Bundesliga: Silvio Heinevetter: Strong character support for TVB Stuttgart

Silvio Heinevetter is the most prominent new signing at TVB Stuttgart. After the difficult last season, the extroverted keeper could bring a breath of fresh air into the team.

He is considered open, direct and impulsive. Silvio Heinevetter’s unpredictable manner polarized opinions. Some love him, others criticize him. His sporting successes are undisputed: two-time club world champion, two-time EHF Cup winner, German Cup winner and 204 international matches as national goalkeeper. One who should not only advance the TVB with his sporting skills, but also with his character in the new season.

“Heine” should make the “WILD BOYS” steam

Heinevetter joins a list of many radiant TVB commitments in the past. Six and a half years ago Johannes “Jogi” Bitter came, then came Michael “Mimi” Kraus and Markus Baur.

“Heine” – as he is called by his colleagues – is someone who also likes to step out of line, draws attention to himself: “I’m a guy who needs emotions, needs the kick. Sometimes blood needs it shoot in the head.”

Characteristics that TVB Managing Director Jürgen Schweikardt would like for his “WILD BOYS”, who were a little quieter last season: 15th place the result of the last Bundesliga season.

Trouble with the MT Melsungen

The 1.97 meter tall Heinevetter is normally considered to be loyal to the club. He has only played for four clubs in the last 17 years. He had also settled in well at his last club, MT Melsungen, and felt comfortable in Kassel. So much so that he opened his second restaurant with a friend. But last fall, Melsungen signed Poland goalkeeper Adam Morawski. Surprising for Heinevetter, who had expected a contract extension and criticized the “dishonest communication”.

First points of contact with Stuttgart on the Weindorf

Ironically, in the relegation battle of TVB Stuttgart, Heinevetter then decided on the “WILD BOYS”. During the contract negotiations, managing director Jürgen Schweikardt also had to make the keeper an offer for the second division. After lengthy discussions with Schweikardt and coach Roi Sánchez, it was clear that TVB saw Heinevetter as playing a key role for the team and “wanted to have him as a guy”. “Heine” weighed things up and decided: the Stuttgart region is now his new home.

Heinevetter feels at home in Stuttgart. The city surprised him positively. Before that, he had associated the state capital primarily with spaetzle and car companies.

Long career provides more focus and composure

Born in Thuringia, he began his professional career at Concordia Delitzsch. In 2005 he moved to league competitor SC Magdeburg. Four years later he went to the Füchsen Berlin, with whom he remained loyal for eleven years before joining MT Melsungen for two years. Sivlio Heinevetter turns 38 in October. The experience has made him a little more relaxed and focused, says Heinevetter.

Concentrating on what counts: the almost 100-kilo keeper is not one who relies on special rituals or lucky charms. Only his warm-up program should always be the same, that gives him a familiar routine before the game.

Despite his age, Heinevetter is not yet thinking about retiring: “Why should you retire when you’re still having fun, you’re physically fit and you have the feeling that you can still give something to the team.”

With two keepers to more stability at the TVB

With four goalkeepers, TVB had moderate success last season. Now there are only half as many: Silvio Heinevetter and 21-year-old Miljan Vujovic, who was signed in February, should ensure more continuity in goal.

But even more important for Heinevetter: A good defense. With Oscar Bergendahl, TVB has signed one of the world’s best defensive players. Good players are also available in the middle block with Adam Lönn, Ivan Sliskovic, Fynn Nicolaus and Sweden’s Samuel Röthlisberger. For Heinevetter, the key to success is team spirit and good coordination: “You can’t win anything in handball with individual players alone”.

Goal with the TVB: “Hike a few places up”

Heinevetter has a lot of confidence in the TVB and sees great potential in the team. That is also the reason why he decided to come to Stuttgart: “If we get through the season well, then you can move up a few places.” However, the team must come through without injury, explains the keeper.

With brains to single-digit table positions

A new rule could accommodate Heinevetter and the TVB: In the future, the referees will also be able to impose time penalties for headshots from within the game. TVB trainer Roi Sánchez sees this as a great advantage. With Heinevetter’s goalkeeping qualities, it will be difficult for the shooters not to hit his head, the coach said. If the “WILD BOYS” can then score points in the majority game, the chances of ending up in the single-digit table area in the coming season are good.