Jens and Almunia shake hands

Lehmann resolves differences with Gunners rival

By James Dall   Last updated: 15th May 2008

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Arsenal's Jens Lehmann has insisted he has resolved his differences with fellow goalkeeper Manuel Almunia.

Lehmann, who is set to leave Emirates Stadium in the summer, has endured a frustrating final campaign with The Gunners, starting just six Premier League games.

A combination of early-season errors and injury cost the Germany international as Almunia took advantage to emerge as manager Arsene Wenger's first-choice shot-stopper.

The relationship between the two keepers steadily broke down throughout the term, with Almunia even claiming that Lehmann 'hates' him.

However, Lehmann has claimed that the previous hostility between the pair has now been resolved, while explaining that their rivalry may well benefit the Spaniard in the future.

Competition

"I told him he should never take anything personally and that somehow he will realise he will benefit from that competition between me and him because it made him better," Lehmann told the Daily Mail.

"I realised this myself when I was No.2 with the German national team and Oliver Kahn was in front of me. You make a decision to compete with the guy and you push every day and that makes you better.

"That is basically what I told him and we're okay now.

"From my point of view, it's over. If I see him next season somewhere, I can always come to him and shake his hand and wish him all the best. I respect him. You will have to ask him what he thinks."