Kahn hits back at Lehmann

The rivalry between Oliver Kahn and Jens Lehmann continues to simmer.

The rivalry between German international goalkeepers Oliver Kahn and Jens Lehmann continues to simmer ahead of this weekend's friendly in Iran.

German boss Jurgen Klinsmann has given Lehmann the chance to impress in the Middle East and the Arsenal custodian took the opportunity to reaffirm his claim that he deserves to be his country's number one in an interview earlier this week.

Lehmann added further fuel to the fire when revealing he also wanted to usurp Kahn as Bayern Munich goalkeeper.

Kahn, who has been rested for the trip to Tehran, has now reacted to the Arsenal custodian's statement.

He said: "This all comes down to a question of character. Jens Lehmann has to answer for the things he keeps saying in public.

"I'm trying to keep things on a sporting level by playing good football. I don't have to hide from anyone. If I keep playing as well as I am now for the next couple of years then I'm sure I won't be in a weak position."

Lehmann has claimed that he was confident he would be Germany's number one in time for the 2006 World Cup but Kahn stressed that he sees things very differently.

"The information that I have from Jurgen Klinsmann is that I'm the number one and Jens Lehmann is being given a chance and that he is a sort of challenger," Kahn added.

"I've no problem with that and I've never shied any sort of sporting challenge before."