Kahn or Lehmann?

[Melloblkmon]

It is very interesting that four years ago the US National Team and it's fans were having the same problem you German fans (Your Coach especially) is having at this time although he has now pubically made his decision.

The starting job was up for grabs between Kasey Keller and Brad Friedel. Friedel got the nod due to some nagging injuries that Keller was having although most of the US fans felt Keller was the better choice (He was IMHO). This time around I am glad we do not have that same problem as Keller is the clear choice as our #1.

I do not envy the controversy surrounding the German camp at this time because having two outstanding keepers is a problem for any team. Two outstanding forwards, midfielders or defenders are great for any squad but two at the goalkeeper spot always causes problems due to people choosing up sides and regardless of which one gets the nod he never has the full support from everyone on the team, coaching staff or the fans base. THe person relagated to the #2 spot is disappointed and often get some support from teammates that needs to go to the starter for obvious reasons.

Kahn should retire as his presence in camp will be more of a distraction to Lehmann as the press is not going to let this one go for a while. Kahn's club team surely isn't and being that they are the most popular and successful club in Germany isn't going to help the situation.

Even with our controversy four years ago we had a very successful WC campaign losing on an extremely controversial (Actually rather obvious) hand ball on the goal line by a German defender whom shall remain nameless :)

I wonder if Kahn would have stopped that penalty kick? hmmmmm ;)

I personally think that Kahn's intensity makes him a better choice but I do not watch German Club soccer on a regular basis. His passion for winning is obvious. I have always found Lehmann rather boring, kind of like bratwurst with no mustard.

Regardless I wish Germany the best in defending their home turf however I think this may be Englands year...:)

[Psychosis hsv]

Enke appears to be pretty sane, but of course that is held against him in some circles hierzulande.
Enke! yeah he should replace kahn if kahn choses to resign from the team

[Psychosis hsv]

lets see lehmann vs barcelona. he is usually no exposed much but thistime around he will be correctly judged and win bitter critics if he manages to keep the socre down

[Lionhead]

It is very interesting that four years ago the US National Team and it's fans were having the same problem you German fans (Your Coach especially) is having at this time although he has now pubically made his decision.

Even with our controversy four years ago we had a very successful WC campaign losing on an extremely controversial (Actually rather obvious) hand ball on the goal line by a German defender whom shall remain nameless :)

I wonder if Kahn would have stopped that penalty kick? hmmmmm ;)

I personally think that Kahn's intensity makes him a better choice but I do not watch German Club soccer on a regular basis. His passion for winning is obvious. I have always found Lehmann rather boring, kind of like bratwurst with no mustard.

Regardless I wish Germany the best in defending their home turf however I think this may be Englands year...:)

I don't think it will be England's year. For the last 8 years everybody was telling us what a great team they are, but they have nothing to show for. With Rooney out they won't go far IMO.

Back to Lehmann. Don't underestimate his abilities. His powerful presence will see him through. He had an excellent run in the CL. If Arsenal lift the cup, he'll be a hero. If they loose and he blunders, the pressure would be on him in the NT and Kahn would lurk behind his back, but I don't expect this to happen. Lehmann will be the stronghold in the German defense and should get them through to the semis.

[athena20]

they both are inconsistent players I think. Did you guys see how Lehmann played against real madrid in the champions league 3 years ago? He was crazy good at that home game in dortmund. But sometimes, he made very silly mistakes just like Kahn, when Kahn is good he is super good. But right now, I think Lehmann's flexibility is much better than kahn but I am just scared he will make those mistakes kahn made before.

[athena20]

I don't think it will be England's year. For the last 8 years everybody was telling us what a great team they are, but they have nothing to show for. With Rooney out they won't go far IMO.

Back to Lehmann. Don't underestimate his abilities. His powerful presence will see him through. He had an excellent run in the CL. If Arsenal lift the cup, he'll be a hero. If they loose and he blunders, the pressure would be on him in the NT and Kahn would lurk behind his back, but I don't expect this to happen. Lehmann will be the stronghold in the German defense and should get them through to the semis.

I remeber many times lehmann actually let the ball slip from his hands when he tried to catch the balls from the corner kicks.

[Lionhead]

I remeber many times lehmann actually let the ball slip from his hands when he tried to catch the balls from the corner kicks.

Girl, this is history. Give the man a chance. He has matured in his time at Arsenal. You just have to look at his stats: 745 minutes without conceding a goal in the CL. He has steadily improved his ability to read crosses. He always had world class reflexes on the line. He could make the star team at WC 2006. He's a different goalie than 3 years ago, believe me.

[Snakeater]

Girl, this is history. Give the man a chance. He has matured in his time at Arsenal. You just have to look at his stats: 745 minutes without conceding a goal in the CL. He has steadily improved his ability to read crosses. He always had world class reflexes on the line. He could make the star team at WC 2006. He's a different goalie than 3 years ago, believe me.


Lionhead, totally agreed. And your response to Grizzly on the other Lehmann thread was bang on. I can't believe there are people who actually would make Kahn the starting keeper for the German National team at this stage of his career, and especially after this season, in which he fumbled and bumbled, making more errors than ever. Kahn wouldn't be on the team if it wasn't for his reputation. He certainly doesn't deserve to be there based on merit.

Thank the football Gods that we finally have a manager who selects players to the squad based on merit and not on a reputation earned and padded long ago. Thank the football Gods that we have a manager who isn't afraid to say 'no' to Bayern's big-shot executives and who doesn't shy away from denying players from bigger clubs like Schalke a spot on the roster when they haven't earned it.

Back to Lehmann. Lehmann deserves the number one based on his performance in the best football tournament in the world, the Champion's League. His reflexes and athleticism are superb and his decision-making is very sharp. Unbelievable for someon ehis age. (In a split second, he charged out at Eto' (the only option he had) and tried to knock the ball away from him.) Jens reminds me of a bottle of French wine, he gets sweeter with age.

You're the boy Jens. :)