Arsenal-Mania

Lehmann warns Wenger

By Jonathan Chong on Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has issued a warning to manager Arsčne Wenger, saying that he wants to be playing more and that he is still the best goalkeeper at Arsenal.

Lehmann, although fit, was not included in the squad to face Bolton over the weekend, and has not played since Spaniard Manuel Almunia stepped in between the sticks.

The 37-year-old told German TV channel Premiere: "I think - and this is aimed at my dear manager - one shouldn't humiliate players for too long.

"It's possible that some day I'll feel like talking about the whole issue.

"At the moment I'm just swallowing it all as part of the humiliation. That's something one has to take in.

"But I'm an Arsenal player and I won't just fade away quietly."

Manager Arsčne Wenger was asked about Lehmann's outburst following his side's 7-0 demolition of Slavia.

Wenger said: "I don't want to humiliate anybody.

"We have three world-class goalkeepers and we can only play one."

But Lehmann is bemused by Wenger's assertion that he has three "world-class" goalkeepers to pick from.

"One of them must be me," he suggested. "The other two have proved their class by winning titles? If I think about that, I can't recall any. I guess today you're nevertheless world-class.

"I'm convinced that I'll be playing again. Almunia has not yet showed that he can win matches for us.

"I've experienced this situation before and know what the others are expecting from the goalkeeper. I can't imagine he'll be able to handle that."

User Comments

7

Gabriel

Posted on 24 Oct, 2007 at 04:25 PM - Reply

Lehmann is being very snobbish. the type of player that's afraid of losing out, acting very immature-ish.

6

Matthew Innis, Monrovia, Liberia,...

Posted on 24 Oct, 2007 at 03:31 PM - Reply

Lehman will have to understand that his colleagues goalkeepers, particularly Almunia, warmed the bench for quite some before coming on. Can we say Almunia was humiliated, no,by then Lehman was the idea goalkeeper and Almunia understood that. Moreover, every coach has a winning team and Almunia fits in as the idea winning goalkeeper. There is time and season for everything Lehman, keep cool and quiet. Remember, you are a team player.

5

Nibster

Posted on 24 Oct, 2007 at 11:44 AM - Reply

Why change a winning side. Lehmann was a risk at the start and ALmunia (though i don't like him either) is playing well. I say sell the German..Bring in Robert Green.

4

Julien

Posted on 24 Oct, 2007 at 11:29 AM - Reply

Lehman is a real danger for the balance of the team now! get rid of him!!

3

Bocco

Posted on 24 Oct, 2007 at 10:52 AM - Reply

I think lehmans getting a bit out of control. These comments he has made truly shows his immaturity and not ready to return and play for arsenal. If he cant take a bit of competition then why play football at all??

2

Noman Adams

Posted on 24 Oct, 2007 at 09:56 AM - Reply

Lehmann should know that only one player plays in one position at a time. He ( Lehmann has played in a few earl matches and has shown his capability between the posts. Let him give chance to others after all there are still some more matches to come.

1

Drametu Jimmmy

Posted on 24 Oct, 2007 at 09:23 AM - Reply

Aluminia is currently doing alot of good work for Arsenal let Arsene wenger continue playing him when played with blackburn and Fulham, Lenhman made serious mistaken let him watch the games see how others are keeping the goal.