Lehmann plans to keep playing
Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann is planning to continue his international career beyond the World Cup after insisting he feels “like a 26-year-old“.
The veteran stopper, 36, is entering his first tournament as Germany’s number-one goalkeeper, having won the starting berth from Oliver Kahn, and he claims that he is in top shape and could go on for years.
Asked if the national team remained in his plans after the World Cup, he told Frankfurter Rundschau newspaper: “Yes. I love football.
“It's a lot of fun, and I am fit, like a 26-year-old, and I am much fitter than when I was 30 years old.”
Lehmann also revealed he is not pondering a return to the Bundesliga at this stage.
“Not next season,” he replied when asked about a potential return. “We (Arsenal) have a new stadium and we will have a very good team.”
Lehmann also spoke about the similarities between Gunners manager Arsene Wenger and Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann.
“Both have the same philosophy: a quick, direct attacking style,” said Lehmann.
“Klinsmann holds a similar view. He has acted very cleverly and added the right people, for example to take care of our fitness. The training at Arsenal is very similar to the national-team practice.”
Lehmann has been in impressive form in Germany’s three warm-up games, conceding two goals but denying half a dozen chances in their 2-2 draw with Japan.
