Lehmann still my number one, says Germany manager

Germany’s team manager Oliver Bierhoff has backed Jens Lehmann to bounce back following the goalkeeper’s first-half dismissal in Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.

Lehmann, who has been riding on a wave of euphoria ever since learning he had pipped Oliver Kahn as Germany’s number one goalkeeper at the World Cup, was sent off in the 18th minute in Paris when he brought down Samuel Eto’o.

The Gunners still managed to grab the lead in the 37th minute through a Sol Campbell header, but two late goals from the Spaniards turned the game around.

Yet Bierhoff has no doubts Lehmann will recover from his costly mistake.

“He will get two or three days off to breathe and relax with his family,” Bierhoff said on German TV station Sat 1.

“He will meet a team and a group of coaches that are fully convinced of his ability. I hope he has learned from it and will not do the same during the World Cup.

“I was joking during the game saying at least Jens cannot get injured now.”