Klinsmann has decided: Germany's number 1 is...

[The Old Lady Hertha]

I agree with most parts...but Jens the best keeper in the world? Damn dude. Thats a bold statement that 2 ppl would agree on...you and Jens Lehmann. :D :p

[poorvi]

JeffS, I agree with you on some points. However there are some points which go unanswered.

1)If this selection of Lehmann is purely on merit, then why not consider Hildebrand or Weidenfeller? They must be scoring a lot on the merit scale too.

2) Lets us be objective, cheating one's own wife/husband is not a nice thing to do, but that has nothing to do with being a good goalkeeper. The person has played his heart out for both club and country for years, taking inconcievable physical risks to make saves. That time his personal life was not a matter to be discussed. Now that he has had a couple of bad games, he is totally vilified and non relevant issues like his personal life become a deciding factor? This is so inhuman and unfair. He must be given the respect for the keeper he is, and atleast promised a chance to start in the world cup, if he shows an improvement in the next 2 months. I am sure a person like him will only accpet the challenge.

3) Why is Lehmann all of a sudden a much better keeper than Kahn? In the champions league so far he has played well. But his form in the regular EPL is nothing outstanding. Kahn has his ups and downs. Good game against the USA and a bad one against Cologne. No reason to prefer one goalkeeper over another.

4) Kahn can lead, can inspire the team with his superhuman efforts. He can also scare opposition (and sometimes fans- like me :p ) with his looks. This has an effect on the mind of the striker. Lehmann, though a good goalkeeper, just doesn't have this effect.

5) The fact still remians that this whole announcement is ill-timed and Klinsmann has just done to show the world that he is not 'scared' of any one or doesn't take anybody's opinion.

[snoooop]

you must imagine.. Kahn was since 1998 the Number 1 and later he was also the Captain of the Team.. that must be very hard for him.

he was waiting 4-5 years to become the Number 1.

Since we know that the WC 2006 is in Germany, i think its 5-6 years ago, Kahn said that it is the Dream of his Life to play an WC in his homecountry and now..

some users in other forums post some strange things :eek:
look at that:

Klinsmann and Lehmann have the same Agent !
Bierhoff and Lehmann come from the same Village-Youth-Club !

ok some people push it to much, but those things are true.


We should not forget that Kahn played together with Klinsmann some years at Bayern and what i heard they was never friends..

From the "King Kahn" and "Titan" to the Number 2 .. for an Winner/Fighter-Type like Kahn is this extremly hard.


For the most Bayernfans in Munich is Kahn an living Legend and it will be a hard time for Klinsmann to come back to the Fans in Munich who screamed his name, who worn his Shirts, who loved him(as a Player) and the thousends of Bayern-Fans who was partying with him after an Victory.

[Duncan Idaho]

Thank god this unspeakable goalkeeper nonsense debate has finally came to an end! Now I'm going to do my first and my last comment on this crap:


Klinsmann as NT coach always knew what he wanted and what he did not. Let's be it the training methods, his circle of players, the style to play football, the technical director or anything else. Not in all things he could prevail his opinion and view, but in most. He definitely brought some fresh air into the dusty tomb named DFB, so his overall dedication was quite positive.

But the goalkeeper fuss is another topic. It kept the German press almost two years busy, it split the republic into two sides, either "Pro Kahn" or "Pro Lehmann" and it annoyed many football fans (including me), so even if the fuss is over now, there will be some hurt and offended pride on at least one side. Which is quite a good condition for the WC host, isn't it?

The whole goalkeeper fuss itself did not help a single bit for the most pressing problems the german NT has and furthermore I think it was absolutely useless, uneffective and in the end only a disassembly of King Kahn. Why?

Both goalkeepers are known and so are their qualities and capabilities. Therefore it seems quite unreliable that Klinsmann and his crew needed nearly two years to find out which goalkeeper fits best to their style to play. Considering that Klinsmann always knew what he wanted nurtures this impression. They knew right form their start, which goalkeeper they were prefering, but they had a decisive problem and this problem was King Kahn, the living goalkeeper monument, which so often had saved Germany's or Bayern's ass in the past! Even as a "new kid" in the german NT and DFB you can't sacrifice this monument two years before the WC hosted in the monument's own country!

But Klinsmann had an advantage, he had the time on his side - unlike Kahn - and he could introduce this silly competition about the goalkeeper spot. Everyone knew that King Kahn had reached his top level already years before, every knew that he would make more and more faults, so Klinsi only had to wait and wait and wait ... besides hoping that Lehmann won't make much faults, though he was and still is good for them. Time was finally on his side, Lehmann didn't make many faults and King Kahn made his faults and so did the public opinion change in the silly goalkeeper fuss. The time had finally come to make the decisive move today. Sure, Klinsmann could say that he had to decide now, cause Bayern (Kalle, etc.) were pressing for a decision on that topic, but why should the stubborn Klinsmann do, what Bayern and others wanted him to do at that point? Finally he never did what others wanted him to do!

Let's face it, King Kahn is on the decline and Lehmann is obviously not - at least not that fast - and he is a very good goalkeeper after all. But he never had that what is needed to become a true world class goalie, a true hero - like King Kahn was! Lehmanns nomination based on his performances this season is justified! King Kahn simply isn't a King anymore but the only thing Olli could achieve in this competion was loosing it. Therefore this whole procedure was unworthy, unnecessary and inappropriate for the monument King Kahn! Thank you, Klinsi that was really needed! :mad:

Most of you should know that I'm neither a glowing supporter of Olli and nor a glowing hater of Lehmann, I can live with the result of the decision, but not with the way the decision was made. I don't know how much of this goalkeeper fuss did go abroad, so I don't know if you can understand that I'm a bit pissed off

[Syncope]

JeffS, I agree with you on some points. However there are some points which go unanswered.

1)If this selection of Lehmann is purely on merit, then why not consider Hildebrand or Weidenfeller? They must be scoring a lot on the merit scale too.

2) Lets us be objective, cheating one's own wife/husband is not a nice thing to do, but that has nothing to do with being a good goalkeeper. The person has played his heart out for both club and country for years, taking inconcievable physical risks to make saves. That time his personal life was not a matter to be discussed. Now that he has had a couple of bad games, he is totally vilified and non relevant issues like his personal life become a deciding factor? This is so inhuman and unfair. He must be given the respect for the keeper he is, and atleast promised a chance to start in the world cup, if he shows an improvement in the next 2 months. I am sure a person like him will only accpet the challenge.

3) Why is Lehmann all of a sudden a much better keeper than Kahn? In the champions league so far he has played well. But his form in the regular EPL is nothing outstanding. Kahn has his ups and downs. Good game against the USA and a bad one against Cologne. No reason to prefer one goalkeeper over another.

4) Kahn can lead, can inspire the team with his superhuman efforts. He can also scare opposition (and sometimes fans- like me :p ) with his looks. This has an effect on the mind of the striker. Lehmann, though a good goalkeeper, just doesn't have this effect.

5) The fact still remians that this whole announcement is ill-timed and Klinsmann has just done to show the world that he is not 'scared' of any one or doesn't take anybody's opinion.poorvi, I pretty much agree with all your posts on this topic, so I want to let you know that my criticisms are minor, although it may come off differently below.

- Weidenfeller and Hildebrand are proving themselves domestically only, in what is becoming a weak league (sadly). However, Weidenfeller will win games for Dortmund, and I see a resurgence of that team in the next two seasons.

- Kahn had huge personal problems, that he created himself, which cannot be argued degraded his performances.

- Lehman is showing greater consistency than Kahn. If the WC had been at the beginning of the year, than Kahn would have been No.1; now it's Lehmann.

- Kahn is the greater personality and can intimidate the opposition. However, so can very good goalkeeping performances, and Lehmann simply has been better than Kahn for the past few months.

- The announcement might have been ill-timed--as in too late not too soon. Both goalkeepers were hurt by this late announcement, as neither had any certainty. I believe Lehmann is now further inspired, and will still raise the level of his game.

When at his best, Kahn is better than Lehmann at his best. However, Lehmann is currently better than Kahn. Arguably, neither is currently the best German goalie, but international and big-game experience is what counts at the WC.

[TheOrator]

******** that, Kahn is the man. Klinsmann just put the first nail in Germany's coffin. Both keepers are great, but I'll take Kahn over any other keeper in the world, much less just a German, any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

[Duncan Idaho]

I'm quoting my post form the Bayern forum, I don't want to write another

Thank god this unspeakable goalkeeper nonsense debate has finally came to an end! Now I'm going to do my first and my last comment on this crap:


Klinsmann as NT coach always knew what he wanted and what he did not. Let's be it the training methods, his circle of players, the style to play football, the technical director or anything else. Not in all things he could prevail his opinion and view, but in most. He definitely brought some fresh air into the dusty tomb named DFB, so his overall dedication was quite positive.

But the goalkeeper fuss is another topic. It kept the German press almost two years busy, it split the republic into two sides, either "Pro Kahn" or "Pro Lehmann" and it annoyed many football fans (including me), so even if the fuss is over now, there will be some hurt and offended pride on at least one side. Which is quite a good condition for the WC host, isn't it?

The whole goalkeeper fuss itself did not help a single bit for the most pressing problems the german NT has and furthermore I think it was absolutely useless, uneffective and in the end only a disassembly of King Kahn. Why?

Both goalkeepers are known and so are their qualities and capabilities. Therefore it seems quite unreliable that Klinsmann and his crew needed nearly two years to find out which goalkeeper fits best to their style to play. Considering that Klinsmann always knew what he wanted nurtures this impression. They knew right form their start, which goalkeeper they were prefering, but they had a decisive problem and this problem was King Kahn, the living goalkeeper monument, which so often had saved Germany's or Bayern's ass in the past! Even as a "new kid" in the german NT and DFB you can't sacrifice this monument two years before the WC hosted in the monument's own country!

But Klinsmann had an advantage, he had the time on his side - unlike Kahn - and he could introduce this silly competition about the goalkeeper spot. Everyone knew that King Kahn had reached his top level already years before, every knew that he would make more and more faults, so Klinsi only had to wait and wait and wait ... besides hoping that Lehmann won't make much faults, though he was and still is good for them. Time was finally on his side, Lehmann didn't make many faults and King Kahn made his faults and so did the public opinion change in the silly goalkeeper fuss. The time had finally come to make the decisive move today. Sure, Klinsmann could say that he had to decide now, cause Bayern (Kalle, etc.) were pressing for a decision on that topic, but why should the stubborn Klinsmann do, what Bayern and others wanted him to do at that point? Finally he never did what others wanted him to do!

Let's face it, King Kahn is on the decline and Lehmann is obviously not - at least not that fast - and he is a very good goalkeeper after all. But he never had that what is needed to become a true world class goalie, a true hero - like King Kahn was! Lehmanns nomination based on his performances this season is justified! King Kahn simply isn't a King anymore but the only thing Olli could achieve in this competion was loosing it. Therefore this whole procedure was unworthy, unnecessary and inappropriate for the monument King Kahn! Thank you, Klinsi that was really needed!

Most of you should know that I'm neither a glowing supporter of Olli and nor a glowing hater of Lehmann, I can live with the result of the decision, but not with the way the decision was made. I don't know how much of this goalkeeper fuss did go abroad, so I don't know if you can understand that I'm a bit pissed off

[SirManchester]

I was very surprised to hear this, but I was also very content for two reasons; 1. Klinsman actually made a ballsy move considering the cicumstances of Kahn and Lehman in the past, and regardless of the manner he did it in. He made an executive decision and the right one ontop of it which brings me to 2. Lehman deserved it, He's been in better form than Kahn for nearly three seasons. He's by far the better this season and it's not a stretch to say form will carry over into the WC.

[ForeverRed]

I agree with most parts...but Jens the best keeper in the world? Damn dude. Thats a bold statement that 2 ppl would agree on...you and Jens Lehmann. :D :p

Thats not too far off actually....Cech and Buffon who are the two main goalkeepers that keep getting praised aren't having their best seasons. Chech certainly isn't and nobody will disagree there and Buffon hasn't been playing much.

There is Coupet who is very consistent, besides him I don't really know of a goalkeeper who has stepped up as much as Jens this season. He's been great all around.

[ForeverRed]

poorvi, I pretty much agree with all your posts on this topic, so I want to let you know that my criticisms are minor, although it may come off differently below.

- Weidenfeller and Hildebrand are proving themselves domestically only, in what is becoming a weak league (sadly). However, Weidenfeller will win games for Dortmund, and I see a resurgence of that team in the next two seasons.

- Kahn had huge personal problems, that he created himself, which cannot be argued degraded his performances.

- Lehman is showing greater consistency than Kahn. If the WC had been at the beginning of the year, than Kahn would have been No.1; now it's Lehmann.

- Kahn is the greater personality and can intimidate the opposition. However, so can very good goalkeeping performances, and Lehmann simply has been better than Kahn for the past few months.

- The announcement might have been ill-timed--as in too late not too soon. Both goalkeepers were hurt by this late announcement, as neither had any certainty. I believe Lehmann is now further inspired, and will still raise the level of his game.

When at his best, Kahn is better than Lehmann at his best. However, Lehmann is currently better than Kahn. Arguably, neither is currently the best German goalie, but international and big-game experience is what counts at the WC.

Right, everyone is correct with everything they've said in favor of Lehmann but the true question is whether his form will transfer to the NT this summer....because if it doesn't I think Klinsman will have to answer to a lot of criticism....and that kind of backlash will be just BRUTAL!

[BMike86]

two quality posts, thx snoop and duncan:D

[Duncan Idaho]

Some press commentary


Der Spiegel

Die Rache des Dickschädels

Von Christian Gödecke

Der schwäbische Sturkopf hat sich entschieden - für Lehmann und gegen die drei großen "B": Beckenbauer, Bayern und "Bild". Immer wieder kritisierten diese das Torwartduell, bemäkelten Klinsmanns US-Wohnsitz. Heute traf der Trainer eine sportliche Entscheidung mit politischen Nebenwirkungen.

http://www.spiegel.de/sport/fussball/0,1518,410355,00.html


Süddeutsche Zeitung

Verdacht wird Gewissheit

Als Klinsmann im Herbst 2004 beim DFB antrat, sagte er, man müsse den ganzen Laden auseinander nehmen. Jetzt hat man eine Vorstellung davon, was gemeint sein könnte.
Von Klaus Hoeltzenbein

http://www.sueddeutsche.de/,tt1m2/sport/weltfussball/special/353/73280/index.html/sport/weltfussball/artikel/550/73477/article.html

FAZ

Der getriebene Richter
Von Roland Zorn

07. April 2006 Die Entscheidung ist verständlich, der Zeitpunkt ihrer Bekanntgabe ist es nicht. Daß Jürgen Klinsmann sich einen Tag vor dem Bundesliga-Gipfeltreffen zwischen Werder Bremen und dem FC Bayern München dazu entschlossen hat, Jens Lehmann zum Nationaltorwart Nummer eins zu befördern und den langjährigen Platzhirschen Oliver Kahn zum zweiten Mann zu degradieren, kann nicht anders als instinktlos bewertet werden.

http://www.faz.net/s/RubC3501523C6F14E7489EB5D87354539E7/Doc~EE7586B25B88D4F2A8B1DD5041F042E2E~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html

[kickinthehead]

We all know soon enough if Klinsi's decision was the right one. I, for one, rest easier to know Lehmann's in the goal.

I think he will come through for Germany.

[Duncan Idaho]

I'm quoting my second post form the german NT forum

Some press commentary


Der Spiegel


Die Rache des Dickschädels

Von Christian Gödecke

Der schwäbische Sturkopf hat sich entschieden - für Lehmann und gegen die drei großen "B": Beckenbauer, Bayern und "Bild". Immer wieder kritisierten diese das Torwartduell, bemäkelten Klinsmanns US-Wohnsitz. Heute traf der Trainer eine sportliche Entscheidung mit politischen Nebenwirkungen.

http://www.spiegel.de/sport/fussball...410355,00.html


Süddeutsche Zeitung


Verdacht wird Gewissheit

Als Klinsmann im Herbst 2004 beim DFB antrat, sagte er, man müsse den ganzen Laden auseinander nehmen. Jetzt hat man eine Vorstellung davon, was gemeint sein könnte.
Von Klaus Hoeltzenbein

http://www.sueddeutsche.de/,tt1m2/sp...7/article.html

FAZ



Der getriebene Richter
Von Roland Zorn

07. April 2006 Die Entscheidung ist verständlich, der Zeitpunkt ihrer Bekanntgabe ist es nicht. Daß Jürgen Klinsmann sich einen Tag vor dem Bundesliga-Gipfeltreffen zwischen Werder Bremen und dem FC Bayern München dazu entschlossen hat, Jens Lehmann zum Nationaltorwart Nummer eins zu befördern und den langjährigen Platzhirschen Oliver Kahn zum zweiten Mann zu degradieren, kann nicht anders als instinktlos bewertet werden.

http://www.faz.net/s/RubC3501523C6F1...~Scontent.html

[Duncan Idaho]

One can say that the decision is justified, but one can't say that it was right. That's a thing we only will know when the WC in Germany is over

[prymetyme]

I like Kahn, but its hard to argue with Lehmann's play in the CL this year. Kahn hasnt been at his best but he's certainly the best 2nd string keeper in the world.

[Duncan Idaho]

I forgot to add something:

It's a quite good moment to annouce this decision, isn't it? The day before our important game against Bremen, which can change the odds of championship outcome against us! Thanks Flipper, that's really fair! :mad:

[Duncan Idaho]

Günter Netzer's commentary

Herr Netzer, hat Klinsmann
sich richtig entschieden?
Von GÜNTER NETZER

Die Entscheidung für Jens Lehmann und gegen Oliver Kahn ist für mich eine faustdicke Überraschung.

Aber es ist gut, daß Klinsmann endlich eine Entscheidung gefällt hat. Natürlich gab es in den vergangenen Tagen eine erkennbare Tendenz Richtung Lehmann. Weil Kahn in einigen Spielen nicht glücklich aussah. Und Lehmann mit Arsenal das Halbfinale in der Champions League erreichte.

Aber diese Tendenz habe ich so nicht akzeptieren können. Weil Klinsmann immer gesagt hat, daß er die letzten eineinhalb Jahre als Maßstab für seine Torwart-Entscheidung nimmt. Und nicht nur die letzten Wochen.

Aber ich glaube, daß Jürgen Klinsmann schon sehr früh eine gewisse Sympathie für Lehmann entwickelt hat. Nicht mal für die Person, sondern für die Art und Weise, wie er die Torwartposition interpretiert.

Daß er jetzt auf Lehmann setzt, heißt: Klinsmann wird die Mannschaft offensiv ausrichten. Die Abwehr wird aufrücken, dadurch aber anfälliger für Angriffe. Der Torwart wird deshalb auch eine Art Libero spielen. Lehmann paßt also als spielender Torwart besser zu Klinsmanns Philosophie als Kahn. Das allein hat den Ausschlag gegeben. Ich habe jedenfalls keine andere Erklärung dafür.

Denn sonst sind beide Torhüter relativ deckungsgleich. Ich frage mich nur: Wie kann es sein, daß Kahn laut eigener Aussage vor drei Wochen noch die Nummer eins für Klinsmann war – und jetzt plötzlich nicht mehr? Immer wieder hieß es, Lehmann sei der Herausforderer. Es kann ja nicht sein, daß die letzten zwei Wochen tatsächlich den Ausschlag gegeben haben.

In dieser Frage gibt es Aufklärungsbedarf. Von Klinsmann, aber auch von Kahn.

Die Entscheidung für Lehmann bedeutet nicht, daß wir jetzt ein Torwart-Problem kriegen. Wir haben ja mit Jens Lehmann keinen schlechten Torwart.

Die Frage ist nur: Wie reagiert Oliver Kahn? Wird er auch als zweiter Mann mit zur WM reisen?

Die Sache ist derart brisant, daß Klinsmann klarstellen muß: Auch der zweite Torhüter muß sich kollegial während der WM verhalten. Er darf keine eigenen Interessen haben und muß sich in den Dienst der Mannschaft stellen.

Wir brauchen bei der WM eine gute Atmosphäre und keine Unruhe. Das muß sichergestellt werden. Dieses Versprechen muß er Kahn abringen. Kahn muß sich jetzt selbst überprüfen, ob er in der Lage ist, sich ruhig und kollegial zu verhalten. Ob er bereit ist, der Mannschaft im Ernstfall zu helfen.

Wenn er das nicht gewährleisten kann, sollte Kahn lieber zurücktreten.

Ich muß zugeben: Ich habe da meine Zweifel. Klinsmann hatte ja aus gutem Grund Lehmann und Kahn monatelang nicht mehr gemeinsam nominiert.

(will be published in the Bild)


some Bayern and Bremen reaction, because of the good moment for the decision

„Wie immer geht alles gegen Bayern!“

Bayern-Trainer Felix Magath: Für ihn kommt der Knall im Torwart-Theater zur falschen Zeit. Das stört Bayern im Titel-Kampf

„Trainer und Vorstand halten diese Entscheidung für falsch, werden sie dennoch akzeptieren.“

So die offizielle Verlautbarung des FC Bayern. Wer die Bosse beim Rekordmeister kennt, weiß, wie es in ihnen brodelt. Die Entscheidung gegen Kahn – und das ausgerechnet vor dem Spitzenspiel gegen Werder.

Für die Münchner ein Unding.

Von einer „Sauerei“ war intern die Rede. Trainer Magath, der zuvor Kahn noch zum Weitermachen geraten hatte, schweigt offiziell.

Kahn wird trotz der schwierigen Situation heute im Weserstadion im Tor stehen, obwohl seine Rippenprellung noch nicht ganz ausgeheilt ist. Vor den Augen von Klinsmann will er Größe zeigen in der Stunde der Niederlage.

Die Kahn-Degradierung direkt vorm Knaller gegen Werder – für Willy Sagnol „total unpassend“.

Der Bayern-Franzose schimpfte: „Warum denn nicht vor dem Spiel Juventus – Arsenal? Aber wie immer geht alles gegen die Bayern. In Frankreich haben wir ja auch einen Torwart-Kampf. Aber wir haben zwei gute Torhüter. Deutschland hat nur einen.

Zur deutschen Nationalelf kann ich nur sagen: Na dann, viel Glück...“

Verwunderung auch bei Werder. Trainer Thomas Schaaf: „Ich finde es unglücklich, daß die Entscheidung vor einem Spieltag bekannt gegeben wird.“ Sportdirektor Klaus Allofs: „Es stört mich, daß unser Spiel jetzt in den Hintergrund gerät.“

Bremen-Stürmer Miro Klose befürchtet sogar: „Es wird nicht leichter für uns. Die Bayern werden noch aggressiver sein. Ich weiß nicht, wie Olli das alles wegsteckt. Aber vielleicht ist das ja ein Tag, an dem er Unhaltbare hält.“


(also from the Bild)


some reaction from other (former) football professionals


Rekord-Nationalspieler Lothar Matthäus (150 Einsätze für Deutschland) übt scharfe Kritik: „Ich kann nicht akzeptieren, wie die Entscheidung gefallen ist!

Man wollte Mitte Mai die Torwartfrage klären, aber man hat es jetzt schon gemacht – nach einem Kahn-Fehler und nachdem Lehmann mit Arsenal im Champions-League-Halbfinale steht. Mitte Mai wäre Kahn vielleicht Meister und Pokalsieger gewesen und Lehmann mit Arsenal aus dem Cup geflogen. Mich bestätigt das alles nur in meiner Meinung über Klinsmann. Das ganze paßt zu dem Klüngel, der sich beim DFB gebildet hat. Ich hoffe nur, daß dieser Klüngel funktioniert. Wenn nicht, gibt's da einen, der ganz schnell im nächsten Flieger sitzt. Und die Scherben im deutschen Fußball muß ein anderer zusammenkehren...“

Ex-Bundestrainer Berti Vogts: „Man wollte eine Entscheidung, jetzt ist sie da! Ich hoffe, es war eine gute.“

Hertha-Manager Dieter Hoeneß: „Ich hätte mich anders entscheiden, für mich wäre Oliver Kahn der Richtige gewesen.“

Reiner Calmund: „Mit tut der Oliver Kahn sehr leid. Mit seinen Erfolgen und Verdiensten für den FC Bayern bin ich, vom Gefühl und Herzen her, bei Olli. Doch nun drücke ich auch Jens Lehmann die Daumen, damit er eine gute WM spielt.“

Winni Schäfer, Kahns Ex-Trainer beim Karlsruher SC: „Beim Spiel gegen die USA hielt Oliver Kahn einen fast unhaltbaren Ball. Es wäre das 1:1 gewesen, so rettete Kahn vielleicht sogar den Job von Klinsmann – und wird nun als Nummer 1 abgesetzt. Das hat ein Geschmäckle.“

Lautern-Vorstand Rene C. Jäggi: „Nach dem, was Olli Kahn für den deutschen Fußball geleistet hat, hätte er eine fairere Entscheidung verdient gehabt. Sie stand vermutlich schon länger fest.“

Hannover-Trainer Peter Neururer: „Eine weise Entscheidung. Hätte nur früher kommen müssen, dann hätte man sich viel Ärger erspart. Wenn
Kahn jetzt zuhause bleibt, muß Enke als Nr. 3 mit zur WM.“

Torwart-Idol Toni Schumacher: „Für Olli bricht eine Welt zusammen. Daß er seine großartige Karriere nicht mit der WM im eigenen Land beenden
kann – Wahnsinn! Er wird bestimmt zurücktreten.“


(the Bild again)

[JeffS]

JeffS, I agree with you on some points. However there are some points which go unanswered.

1)If this selection of Lehmann is purely on merit, then why not consider Hildebrand or Weidenfeller? They must be scoring a lot on the merit scale too.


I think Hildebrand and Weidenfeller would be excellent 2nd or 3rd choices, and are perhaps among the goalkeepers of the future for Germany (throw in Weise and Rensing as well). But Lehmann, based on current form and experience, is a clear choice above any of those right now, IMHO.


2) Lets us be objective, cheating one's own wife/husband is not a nice thing to do, but that has nothing to do with being a good goalkeeper. The person has played his heart out for both club and country for years, taking inconcievable physical risks to make saves. That time his personal life was not a matter to be discussed. Now that he has had a couple of bad games, he is totally vilified and non relevant issues like his personal life become a deciding factor? This is so inhuman and unfair. He must be given the respect for the keeper he is, and atleast promised a chance to start in the world cup, if he shows an improvement in the next 2 months. I am sure a person like him will only accpet the challenge.


True, a player's personal life should not matter. However, while all of that was going on, Kahn's performances were crap, by his standards. The eye problem had a lot to do with it, but no doubt he had to be very distracted.


3) Why is Lehmann all of a sudden a much better keeper than Kahn? In the champions league so far he has played well. But his form in the regular EPL is nothing outstanding. Kahn has his ups and downs. Good game against the USA and a bad one against Cologne. No reason to prefer one goalkeeper over another.


I disagree with you on Lehmann's EPL performances. He's been playing very well there as well. The English press have been singling Lehmann and Henry as big bright spots for Arsenal in an otherwise disappointing, rebuilding year. In the CL, Wenger is able to employ euro continental tight marking tactics to great affect with his young squad. But with the pace of the EPL, doing so is less effective. But Lehmann has still been very good.


4) Kahn can lead, can inspire the team with his superhuman efforts. He can also scare opposition (and sometimes fans- like me :p ) with his looks. This has an effect on the mind of the striker. Lehmann, though a good goalkeeper, just doesn't have this effect.


That is an untangible that Kahn brings to table. The dude is downright scary. But opponents get less scared when he has embarrassing blunders like the one against Cologne (and there have been others, too frequent, quite frankly, for a NT level 'keeper).


5) The fact still remians that this whole announcement is ill-timed and Klinsmann has just done to show the world that he is not 'scared' of any one or doesn't take anybody's opinion.

I don't see how the timing is bad. It seems to me that Klinsmann was very fair about this. He anounced that the position was up for grabs and that the guy in the best form would get it. And he gave both players every chance to prove their merit. I'd say right now is about as good a time as any. Any sooner might have been too soon to get a full evaluation, and later might have resulted in chaos.

Another point, not related to your post, I'd like to make is that through all this I was quite disappointed in Kahn's, and Bayern management's, reaction to Klinsmanns decision to put the position up for grabs. Kahn whined that it wasn't fair, that he was already the established number 1 for Germany, and it was his to keep. Bayern's Management whined that it wasn't fair and that it would be "too much pressure on Kahn". Bullsh!t. Everyone should have to earn their postion on the NT. No one should have a pre-ordained postion, regardless of past performances.

To anyone who doesn't like or can't "handle the pressure", tough! These reactions did not reflect very well on Kahn's attitude or leadership ability, or heart. A true winner and fighter would welcome the challenge. Kahn should have publicly stated that he welcomed the challenge and was confident that he would prevail. Bayern's management should have said they thought the competition was good for everyone, and that they had faith in their guy to prevail. But noOOoooo. Their reaction was to whine that it wasn't fair, and was too much pressure on poor Ollie. ******** that.

As for Lehmann, there was no real pressure, other than he now had to put up or shut up (stop whining about not getting a chance, and proceed to kick some booty). Well, he did shut up, and he did put up, very very very well indeed.

In this case, the better man won, fair and square.

[JeffS]

I agree with most parts...but Jens the best keeper in the world? Damn dude. Thats a bold statement that 2 ppl would agree on...you and Jens Lehmann. :D :p

Yes, it's a bold statement. In most times, I would have picked someone like Buffon, Cech, Keller, or a number of others. But Lehmann would certainly be top 5 or 10 regardless, and based on current form, I can think of no one else that is in better form right now.