Jens bites back at critics

Lehmann defiant in the face of flack

By Alex Dunn   Last updated: 6th September 2007

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Lehmann: Points the way

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Jens Lehmann insists he is still No.1 for club and country, despite what has been a miserable start to the season.

The Arsenal goalkeeper has faced criticism this term for two howlers he committed in the club's opening few games, with regular deputy Manuel Almunia having started Arsenal's last three matches.

Lehmann, though, is refusing to be downbeat and insists his absence has been solely due to injury.

And he is ready to play through the pain barrier at the weekend, as Germany travel to Wales.

Bold claim

"I feel I am the No.1 at Arsenal and Germany, although I know I have to train hard every day to justify this," he said.

"I have not played recently because I could not play. If I am injured, then obviously another man plays.

"If he is a superman who stops everything, then I may not play again, but from experience, I know I have played constantly and I am not worried that I will not play again when I am fit."

Then, at the press conference in Cologne, Lehmann gave a less than complimentary critique of journalists in both Germany and England.

Not a fan

He said: "Your interpretation really annoys me.

"You write something and then you read it again and think that you were right, so then you ask me what I think of it.

"Don't ask me how I should interpret your interpretation.

"You were in England (for Germany's game against England last month) and have read the English press, which I don't read. If I did read it, then I would go crazy.

"The English exaggerate everything and how can you understand such an interpretation?"