Lehmann picked to start for Germany at WC

[arsenal_boi]

Lehmann deserves the spot, just hope he doesnt run to halfway line to clear the ball or punch out some guy.

 

[Andreas]

Yeah, if Lehmann keeps doing what he's doing now, no more no less, he'll do a very good job. The two goals Oli Kahn conceded against Köln alone should be enough to give his place to Lehmann.

 

[Rami]

I'm just hoping Lehmann's form slumps back down to earth during the WC in spectacular fashion.

 

[Hendrik]

The two goals Oli Kahn conceded against Köln alone should be enough to give his place to Lehmann.

Those were like his first two blunders in the whole season, apart from that he's been very consistent. It's not Lehmann's never f*cked up this season.

Germany sucks.

The only weak point is the defense. As long as Metzelder and Mertesacker will be on form, I don't see a reason the team can not compete with the other big guns. The Confed Cup proved it.

 

[$teauA]

The only weak point is the defense. As long as Metzelder and Mertesacker will be on form, I don't see a reason the team can not compete with the other big guns. The Confed Cup proved it.

I'm sorry but I look at past German teams and then I look at the current ones and I can't see them as a contender at all at this coming WC. The only thing that will help them is that the games will be played in front of their fans which might get you to the quarters.

 

[Hendrik]

Kahn has just given a press conference. "I accept Klinsmann's decision and will fully support Jens and the team during the World Cup."

 

[Ebonix]

Well at least Kahn has taken it with grace. Especially considering the rivalry between those two for years.

 

[QYC]

There goes Germany's chances. Lehmann is a classless joke. If Kahn was picked over him, he would have bitched like a piece of ****.

 

[Hendrik]

There goes Germany's chances. Lehmann is a classless joke. If Kahn was picked over him, he would have bitched like a piece of ****.

Lehmann has been to all tournaments since 98 and always kept his mouth shut.

Oliver Kahn has put an end to speculation he was on the verge of quitting the international scene by telling a packed news conference on Monday he is prepared to contest the World Cup as second-choice keeper for Germany. "It's important for the national team, despite a situation that's hardly easy for myself, that I want to be part of the 2006 World Cup," the Bayern skipper told more than 60 reporters gathered at the club's Säbener Strasse headquarters.

The decision came after calls from international team-mates, a pause for thought over the weekend, and personal consultation, the 36-year-old reported. "This isn't about Oliver Kahn, this isn't about personal vanity, this is about something much bigger. This is about the World Cup," he declared, calling for an end to the media debate over the goalkeeping position. "What we need now is positive thinking, a sort of euphoria, helping us to win the World Cup. I want to make my contribution to that."

Kahn accepts responsibility

Germany coach Jürgen Klinsmann personally informed Kahn on Friday that Jens Lehmann had won the race to keep goal at the World Cup, a profound disappointment for the Bayern man. "I worked extremely hard towards my goal of the World Cup for two long years, but I can no longer reach this personal goal."

The shot-stopper insisted he had never considered quitting. "I'm not the kind of man to sneak away and disappear quietly, that's not my style. I've never shirked my responsibilities. And sports people must possess the ability to accept defeat."

Full support for Lehmann

The three-time world goalkeeper of the year promised to make his broad experience available to the national squad. "The team, and that also includes Jens Lehmann, will receive my full backing. And if I'm called upon, I'll be 100 percent ready."

"A huge compliment to Oliver," Klinsmann declared in a first reaction. "It's vitally important for us to call on his experience, and his readiness to serve the team and do everything he can to help us succeed at the World Cup."

fcbayern.de

Great sportsmanship.

 

[pede54]

Yeah, well done Kahn. We all know how gutted he must be and as hard as it might have been, did a big thing by making those positive statements. Man...I almost like him now. I dont doubt that Kahn will see plenty of playing time in the World Cup this year.

One thing i found unbelievable is this. Franz Beckenbauer stood up at a press conference and only just stopped short of saying Klinsmann, the manager after all, was making a wrong decision. That man (Franz) has somehow risen to a position of power within German football, that has resulted in him becoming opinionated, pushy and completely dislikable. He needs to show some patriotism himself and support, (especially in public), the German effort. I think the man is a disgrace, but then again he is good mates with Blatter who intends to help him get the UEFA job. Then Blatter will have UEFA in his pocket too. Jeez, no wonder he is called the Kaiser. A more apt name for him comes to mind, but that might be in bad taste.

 

[Deisler]

Pede you are talking about a man that has conquered the world as a player and mnager. If there is a man in German football that has all the rights to speak his a$$ out he is the Kaiser.
As far as UEFA goes i think he fully deserved the spot. He has done a great job at Bayern, done wounderfully as a world cup organizer.
The man is a true icon no questioning that.

I mean comm'on man even Mourinho has gained that winner arrogance since joining Chelsea, and that is totally due to his status.

 

[pede54]

Well, i fully understand the worry of the German fans. Results have not been great as you say. But we have been in that position before and one thing never happened. Nobody in English football ever turned on the National coach like Franz did to Jurgen. Man, its like Bobby Charlton having the nerve to critisize anything that Sven does. Sure everyone has opinions but this close to a world cup, unity should be shown in publiceven if there is not unity in the background. To go on TV and bitch about Klinsman shows a huge lack of class.

As for Franz deserving the UEFA job....Get this. The only thing thats slowed Blatter down all these years from completely f.u.c.king up the game we love, has been UEFA opposing a lot of the ideas that Blatter gets. With the kaiser in charge of UEFA, Blatter will then run UEFA too. Beckenbauer has many hidden agendas within the game. Making money on a scale like Blatter does is one of them. I understand that he is a German " hero", but thats inside Germany. Outside Germany, we tend to see the bigger picture without being blinded by his greatness, and believe me, this man cannot be trusted. You will see what i am talking about once he takes control of UEFA. Sounds dramatic? Believe me, it will be dramatic.

 

[Sepp2in1]

Making money on a scale like Blatter does is one of them.

beckenbauer´s making millions a year with advertisment, i don´t think he would need that..

btw i am going with deisler...beckenbauer is THE legend in german football...he just can do and say whatever he wants...

 

[pede54]

OK thats cool......I also respect him for his football, in that respect, he is a legend. I just dislike him as a man. He may be rich already but some people just cant have enough money. Also with him, he is on a power trip. Thats fine as long as he only exerts his power in Germany. Its when he becomes the boss at UEFA that his actions will affect all of us. Thats what bothers me.

 

[Elber2k3]

beckenbauer´s making millions a year with advertisment, i don´t think he would need that..

btw i am going with deisler...beckenbauer is THE legend in german football...he just can do and say whatever he wants...

I wouldn't say that he is THE legend. Don't forget about the team of 1954.