#1 Lehmann

[Freddy Adu]

ehmann set for two-week lay-off

Lehmann suffered the injury against England on Wednesday

Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann is out for at least two weeks after aggravating an Achilles tendon injury in Germany's 2-1 friendly win over England on Wednesday. Spanish keeper Manuel Almunia will replace Lehman when the Gunners play Manchester City on Saturday.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: "Jens is out and he will miss two weeks, I think. Maybe more - I don't know.
"He is going to see a specialist in Germany on Friday. He had this injury before but it got much worse."
Wenger is confident that Almunia will not let him down while Lehmann is out.

"Almunia is equipped to take responsibility because he did very, very well when he played last year," added Wenger. "It was very reassuring.
"He is mature, he has all the attributes you need to be successful. It was a close decision who is my number-one keeper because of his performances last season."
Lehmann, 37, has made two high-profile errors for Arsenal in the last fortnight.
He gifted Fulham striker David Healy a goal when trying to deal with a backpass in the Gunners' opening game and let a David Dunn shot slip through his hands to give Blackburn an equaliser on Sunday.
But Wenger says he still has confidence in his veteran shot-stopper.
"Apart from the mistakes, he's had good games," Wenger said. "You have to defend your goalkeeper and your players.
"You don't judge it on how many mistakes they make - you have confidence in your goalkeeper.
"The problem when you get older is people say you're in decline, but I am still convinced Jens is top drawer."

[winston]

Halelujah! Hallelujah!

[Amo-te Benfica]

He's made some comical errors, maybe it's a good thing that another keeper will have a go in goal.

[Freddy Adu]

Lehmann desperately tried to quit Arsenal

Jens Lehmann attempted to make a transfer deadline day return to Germany, it has been revealed. The Mail on Sunday says Lehmann tried to make a deadline-day return to Germany after losing his status as Arsenal's No 1 goalkeeper to Manuel Almunia.
One of Lehman's old clubs, Schalke, were keen on bringing him home but time ran out for the deal to be agreed and for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to sign a replacement.
Although his absence from the team to face Portsmouth today is officially explained by injury, Lehman, 37, is resigned to having lost his starting role following embarrassing mistakes in Arsenal's first two Premier League games.


Funny as hell. He felt his unwantedness and wanted to leave.

[Amo-te Benfica]

So he's no longer number 1 anyway? I thought the reason he wasn't playing was because he was injured....

[Amo-te Benfica]

Lehmann hits out at Almunia

Jens Lehmann has told Manuel Almunia he does not yet deserve to be first-choice goalkeeper at Arsenal.



Lehmann started the season between the posts for The Gunners but made a couple of costly goalkeeping blunders.


Almunia has come in and looked assured, with Arsene Wenger claiming that Lehmann was not available due to an Achilles problem.


However, the German was fit to play for his country in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Wales, and will now be in contention for Arsenal's next game against Tottenham.


"I am without a doubt mentally the strongest player at Arsenal because I have more experience," Lehmann claimed in The People.



Not worried by young supermen


"There will always be a keeper who will play better for two or three matches but I have never seen anyone do this for ten games.


"I know that I have an advantage at Arsenal and that I can keep it. I don't see any young supermen keeping me out."


Wenger has told Lehmann that he cannot expect to just walk back into the side, but the 37-year-old is confident it will only be a matter of time before he reclaims his place.


He said: "I know I will be playing again at Arsenal. The coach will let me play.


"He knows it, and I know it - it doesn't matter if I have another week out.


"I have read that Almunia said he deserves to be the No 1 but until now he has not won a single important game."

Source: Sky Sports | Home

[Amo-te Benfica]

He needs to EARN his place back. He has made critical errors

[Oscar Cardozo]

Who else do they have for a keeper?

[Amo-te Benfica]

Fabianski, who is Polish but I have never seen him before. It has to be between Almunia and Lehmann though and until Almunia does something I don't see why he should lose his place.

[Oscar Cardozo]

Did he come to the match vs Portugal?

[GloriousReds]

SVEN GORAN ERIKSSON is ready to make a move for unsettled Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann.


The Manchester City manager is monitoring Lehmann’s strained situation at the Emirates Stadium — where he has lost his first-team place to Manuel Almunia.


Eriksson wants to add some experience to his goalkeeper choices while Kasper Schmiechel, 20, and Joe Hart, 20, continue their development.


Lehmann, 37, is out of contract with the Gunners at the end of the season and has become frustrated after being forced to play second fiddle to Almunia.


He is also worried about his international place with Germany ahead of next year’s Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland.


Eriksson is prepared to pay around £1million if he can persuade Arsenal to let the player leave in the January transfer window.


Former Dortmund star Lehmann has twice been voted best European keeper and been selected for three World Cup squads.

[Freddy Adu]

Kahn slams Arsenal keeper Lehmann

Oliver Kahn has renewed his rivalry with Jens Lehmann and claimed the Arsenal goalkeeper is lucky to be in the Germany team.

Lehmann criticised Kahn in Monday's Spiegel magazine, saying he does not like the way the Bayern keeper considers "himself to be so important".

That was in reaction to Kahn's comments that there would never again be an era like his in which one goalkeeper is the dominant German number one.

With Lehmann's place in doubt after Manuel Almunia took his place at Arsenal, Kahn has taken the opportunity to have another swipe at the 37-year-old.

"Instead of showing no style in having a go at his former colleagues, he should be thankful that he even has the chance to play for the national team when he is not playing for his club," said Kahn in Thursday's Kicker magazine.

"This scenario has never arisen in the history of German football."

***

[Freddy Adu]

Bierhoff warns Lehmann over Arsenal stay

Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff has told Jens Lehmann to quit Arsenal if he cannot win back his No1 place.

"I can't believe that Jens is out of favour at Arsenal after his performances over the past few years," he told Kicker magazine.

"It is a difficult situation, especially for a goalkeeper. In the short-term it isn't a problem for us, especially as Jens feels that he will soon be back between the posts.

"Many things can happen between now and winter, but if Jens isn't playing regular first team football then I would advise him to look for a new club."

***

[Freddy Adu]

Lehmann admits final Arsenal season

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann admits he's preparing to return to the Bundesliga next season.

With his 38th birthday just a month away, Lehmann said this would probably be his final season at Arsenal prior to a swansong in the Bundesliga.

He vowed to bow out on a high, though, as he said: "I know I will play for Arsenal again and think it may well be in our next game.

"Maybe this break has been good for me. Maybe I needed it. I never like being out of the team, but look what happened last time.

"The manager left me out for a few weeks three years ago and when I got my place back, I ended up having the best season of my career.

"I feel ready to come back and play to the same level again. Playing is important, of course, but there is no substitute for quality.

"My wife and I miss Germany and if I still feel able to play at a high level after the Euro finals, I would like it to be with a Bundesliga club."

Back in Germany, though, Oliver Kahn appears to be carrying on his long-running feud with Lehmann even in international retirement.

The former Germany goalkeeper said: "He should be thankful that he even has the chance to play for the national team when he is not playing for his club."

***

[Freddy Adu]

Bierhoff warns Lehmann over Arsenal stay

Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff has told Jens Lehmann to quit Arsenal if he cannot win back his No1 place.

"I can't believe that Jens is out of favour at Arsenal after his performances over the past few years," he told Kicker magazine.

"It is a difficult situation, especially for a goalkeeper. In the short-term it isn't a problem for us, especially as Jens feels that he will soon be back between the posts.

"Many things can happen between now and winter, but if Jens isn't playing regular first team football then I would advise him to look for a new club."

***

[D. Stankovic]

I wondered when will he retire. I recon he made a good decision and called it quits this season.

[Freddy Adu]

Arsenal keeper Lehmann admits Germany must improve

Arsenal's veteran goalkeeper Jens Lehmann thinks Germany will have to improve if they are to have any chance of winning next summer's Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland.

Joachim Low's side became the first team to win a place in the tournament after drawing 0-0 with the Republic of Ireland on Saturday, but Lehmann was unimpressed.

The Gunners shot-stopper said: "I'm very happy to have qualified so early, particularly after a tough game against the Irish.

"We went into the game expecting to win, but the Irish were good, organised, pacy in the first half, although they did drop off in the second.

"But the fact we claimed a good draw with several inexperienced players in the side is good for the team and the future.

"However, we are always expected to qualify, and right now we know we have to improve."

***

[Freddy Adu]

Arsenal keeper Lehmann: I expect Wenger to play me

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was delighted with his performance for Germany in Saturday's 0-0 draw with the Republic of Ireland.

"It was my first game after a couple of weeks and you never know how sharp you are and how focused and concentrated you are," Lehmann told Sky Sports News.

"I think I felt quite good and I performed quite well.

"I think I will play hopefully next week because I am fit now.

"I was injured, it was the first time since I am at Arsenal and I expect the boss to play me."

***

[Freddy Adu]

Lehmann: I've never been dropped by Arsenal

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has slammed critics over claims he's been axed as the club's first-choice.

Lehmann told Sky Sports News: "Did you see me sitting on the bench once? I think some journalists are losing their intelligence about a couple of weeks.

"I have not spoken to him (Wenger) but I expect him to play me again, yes."

****

[Freddy Adu]

I truly dislike this idiot and I think he needs to shut his mouth or he will soon be unemployed.

[Freddy Adu]

Low praise for Arsenal keeper Lehmann

Germany boss Joachim Low was full of praise for under-pressure goalkeeper Jens Lehmann following his team's draw with Republic of Ireland.

Lehmann has been the subject of much speculation in the German press after injury forced him onto the sidelines at Arsenal, with Manuel Almunia impressing in his place.

But a confident display in the Euro 2008 qualifier at Croke Park on Saturday has given his position an extra boost in the eyes of his coach.

"It is one of his great strengths that he is able to completely concentrate on the job in hand despite the difficult situation," Low told the DFB's official website.

"He had a great game both in the domination of his area and on his line. His confident aura was of great importance to us during the game."

[St. Anger]

Now if only he gets injured after Germany beat the Czechs.

[Freddy Adu]

Arsenal boss Wenger explains Lehmann axe

Arsenal's Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has been left out of their squad to face Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League on Saturday.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has decided to stick with Spaniard Manuel Almunia as his number one and has not even named the German as his substitute goalkeeper.

"Almunia will play and I have decided to stick with the same team and keep the continuity going," Wenger said at his pre-match news conference on Friday.

"In my opinion we have three world class keepers and only one of them can play. I have got 25 players in the squad and they all expect to play."

"The player (Lehmann) is disappointed but there is a lot of competition for places. He is an intelligent guy and knows what he has to do," added Wenger.

"Jens is a world class keeper but I had to make the choice for the continuity of the side."

Lehmann was expected to return after recovering from Achilles and elbow injuries, having played for Germany against Ireland in a Euro 2008 qualifier last week.

[GloriousReds]

what does stfu mean?

[Freddy Adu]

Originally Posted by GloriousReds

what does stfu mean?

Shut the Fuck up.

[Freddy Adu]

Lehmann warns Arsenal boss Wenger

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has warned coach Arsene Wenger not to "humiliate" him by continuing to omit him from the Gunners line-up.

The 37-year-old has not played for the north London outfit since making a mistake against Blackburn on August 19, and vented his anger in an interview with German pay-tv station Premiere, which will be aired during Tuesday night's Champions League programme.

"It could be that at some point I feel like commenting on the whole issue," he said.

"But right at the moment I just accept everything as part of the humiliation. You have to let it happen.

"But I think - and this is directed towards my dear coach - that you should not humiliate players for too long. I am an Arsenal player and I will not just fade away quietly. "I am convinced I will soon be playing again. (Manuel) Almunia hasn't shown that he can win us matches just yet. I have been through this situation once and know how the other keeper is situated mentally. I can't imagine he will handle this.

"Wenger has spoken of three world-class goalies. I guess I must be one of them. The others have proven their class by winning titles? I'm just thinking about it, and I can't recall any. But yet today they are considered world class."

[Freddy Adu]

Arsenal boss Wenger: Lehmann staying

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has no plans of allowing goalkeeper Jens Lehmann to leave in January.

"He is working very hard, he is super-professional and we have no intention to split with him," Wenger said.

"He is working very hard to get his place back."

[Freddy Adu]

Almunia won't be unsettled by Arsenal rival Lehmann

Manuel Almunia insists he will not be disturbed by any jibes from Arsenal goalkeeping rival Jens Lehmann.

The Spaniard has replaced Lehmann as first choice this season, but has seen his credentials questioned by the experienced German.

"I am in the team and nothing can disturb my mind," said Almunia in the News of the World.

"I want to avoid these stupid battles, but I don't look at anything he says about me, or anything else that comes from outside the team.

"I am enjoying my moment and I don't want to get into trouble with other stuff.

"The team is playing well. I feel very confident in myself. The boss and the other players have given me great support and that is very important to me."

[Freddy Adu]

Arsenal boss Wenger won't write-off Lehmann

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger isn't writing off Jens Lehmann at Emirates stadium.

Wenger said: "If the situation is still like this in January we will see. We are still in November. November and December is plenty of time to win his place back.

"He is up for the challenge because he is 200% professional."

Lehmann has not played for Arsenal since August 19, when he allowed David Dunn's 25-yard-strike to slip through his hands as Blackburn earned a 1-1 draw.

Lehmann turned 38 on Saturday but Wenger said: "Jens doesn't want any presents. Jens wants to play because he thinks he is the best keeper.

"It makes it worse to put him in and out again. He has done nothing wrong. Almunia has been in the team and the team is doing well. It is as simple as that."

[Freddy Adu]

I´ll stay at Arsenal, says Lehmann


Written by: AFP

	Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, seen here in October 2007, says he will stay with the Premier League side even though he has lost his status as first-choice shot-stopper.

BERLIN (AFP) - Germany's goalkeeper Jens Lehmann said on Friday he will stay with English Premier League side Arsenal, even though he has lost his status as first-choice shot-stopper at the north London club.

"I want to stay with Arsenal until the end of the season," Lehmann told a press conference here head of Germany's Euro 2008 qualifier against Cyprus in Hanover on Saturday.

"I have a responsibility with regard to my family and for my children, even if I were not to regain my place.

"I cannot just leave like that before the season ends," he added.

Lehmann will win his 50th cap against the Cypriots in a meaningless qualifier with Germany already through to next summer's European Championships and Cyprus unable to advance further.

The 38-year-old admitted he has received several offers from other clubs, without giving precise details.

But he again criticised Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has chosen Spaniard Manuel Almunia instead of the German since mid-August.

"I believe a manager must be honest with his players," said Lehmann.

"During the two talks I had with him about my contract extension he gave me no indication of what he was going to do," said Lehmann, who has been with Arsenal since 2003.

"I would like to be in the head of my manager, but I cannot answer your questions for him," he added in a far more diplomatic stance than his last outburst when he accused Wenger of "humiliating" him.

But Lehmann again disputed whether Almunia is better than him.

"There are situations where you find yourself behind a goalkeeper who is world-class and you have to accept that.

"But I am not in this situation," he added.