Arsenal-Mania

Lehmann clears the air between himself, Almunia and Wenger

By Jonathan Chong on Thursday, May 15, 2008

Former goalkeeper Jens Lehmann yesterday expressed nothing but admiration for former manager Arsène Wenger.

The German international admits that he himself has been difficult to work with when he was relegated to the substitute's bench, but it was only because he questioned some of his former boss' decisions.

Lehmann also said that he wishes the best for Spaniard Manuel Almunia, insisting that the current Arsenal number one benefited from the competition between themselves.

He said: "During the years there have been some things where I didn't agree with his (Wenger's) opinion. That's why I'm not easy, because I questioned him about some decisions.

"When he left me out for example. When you make a decision you do not want to hear the player and you don't want him talking in the press.

"But sometimes it doesn't work like that. I just can't sit there for a whole year. The German press is on me, the English press is on me.

"I also told Almunia he should never take anything personally and that somehow he will realise he will benefit from that competition between me and him because it made him better.

"I realised this myself when I was No 2 with the German national team and Oliver Kahn was in front of me. You make a decision to compete with the guy and you push every day and that makes you better.

"That is basically what I told him and we're OK now. From my point of view, it's over. If I see him next season somewhere, I can always come to him and shake his hand and wish him all the best. I respect him. You will have to ask him what he thinks."

User Comments

5

Steve

Posted on 16 May, 2008 at 08:25 AM - Reply

Jens is a legend. He is a bit of a nut but there is a fine line between a genious and a fool

4

Shaun

Posted on 15 May, 2008 at 05:24 PM - Reply

Legend!

3

I_dude

Posted on 15 May, 2008 at 04:06 PM - Reply

I think all the best goalkeepers that are or have ever been are nutters. Lehmann is up there. One of the best without a doubt. Its too bad he is going I think we should have held on to him for one more season. Almunia can't hold a candle to this guy.

2

Dave

Posted on 15 May, 2008 at 04:01 PM - Reply

Good for you Jens. No matter how much of a prat he seemed when spouting off to the press, he´s a much better goalie than Almunia and an example of a bloody good, 100% professional player. Good luck to him wherever he goes.

1

albakos

Posted on 15 May, 2008 at 03:48 PM - Reply

You will always be a legend Mad Jens. All those great memories from Invincibles, 2006 CL fantastic run to the finals etc..
Not many goalies can achieve that, especially blonde clowns like we have now.