Lehmann wants recall to secure German place

JENS LEHMANN has responded to a summer deadline from the German national team to regain his Arsenal place by insisting that he deserves a recall ahead of Manuel Almunia.

Lehmann said: “I am convinced I will play again soon. While watching matches, I cannot see that Almunia is better than me.”

The experienced German international was dropped by Arsene Wenger last month, having paid the price for the side’s lack of defensive solidity as they struggled to recover from their Old Trafford defeat.

However, the problem for Lehmann is that, although Almunia looked shaky at first, the Spaniard has grown in confidence and has conceded just one goal in his past four games.

There seems little chance of Wenger making another switch in his first-choice goalkeeper just yet and that has put Lehmann’s international place in jeopardy.

Having seemingly hauled himself within touching distance of displacing rival Oliver Kahn from the German side, he will not be considered again until he wins back his Arsenal place.

Moreover, Germany goalkeeping coach Andy Kopke warned that the country’s first-choice keeper for the 2006 World Cup finals would have to be playing regular club football by the start of next season.

“Whoever wants to play in the 2006 World Cup in Germany has to have a regular place in their team at the start of next season,” he said.

Lehmann must consider whether to persevere at Highbury or seek a fresh challenge back in Germany, with a number of Bundesliga clubs said to be interested in him.

He has so far indicated that he is determined to fight for his first-team place at Arsenal, having only been at the club for 18 months following his signing from Borussia Dortmund.

However, Jogi Low, the assistant to German national coach Jurgen Klinsmann, called upon Wenger to clarify Lehmann’s long-term position at the club.

“If Jens isn’t playing in the longer term, Wenger should be honest to him. He should tell him what he really plans to do. Jens deserves that,” declared Low.