Lehmann: I'm Still Number One
(Soccer365.com) - Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has laid down the gauntlet to his rivals for the position by saying they will have to fight him for his place.
The Arsenal custodian will keep goal for Germany in their upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against San Marino and Slovakia and is confident of remaining the number one choice in the future.
The 37-year-old told German newspaper Bild: "It was hard enough (becoming number one) so why should I make it easier for anybody else?
"I will play until the time comes when sombody is better than me. I would happily be knocked off my perch."
Stuttgart'sTimo Hildebrand is widely regarded as the future number one goalkeeper, but Lehmann will not even let him face group whipping boys San Marino at the weekend.
"Why should I let him have the game?" he said. "Even against San Marino I can feel the adrenaline is pumping."
And his position at Arsenal does not worry him either after recently signing a contract extension.
"When I am phyiscally fit and have nothing distracting me mentally, then nobody can match me for experience," he added.
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Comments
I guess that youngster Timo Hildebrand from Champion VFB Stuttgart will not be able in the near future to take Lehmann's place in the national squad. Further, take a sharp look at Germany's No.3- Robert Enke/Hannover 96- who both, Lehmann and Hildebrand, shouldn't underestimate at all
Posted by: JM PFAFF | June 1, 2007 05:40 PM
I don't know there is a U-19 goalkeeper for Germany that is quite good and by the time he gets to play for the Men's national team he probably will take Lehman's spot.
Posted by: Keeeper King | June 4, 2007 08:23 AM
He'sn outstanding goalie and should be #1.
Posted by: giova**** | June 4, 2007 12:09 PM
I'm gatreful you made the post. It's cleared the air for me.
Posted by: Wanita | February 15, 2012 10:31 AM