Jens: Kahn rivalry was healthy

Jens Lehmann believes competition with Oliver Kahn brought the best out on the pair.

The competition between the pair came to a close on Saturday when Kahn hung up his gloves after winning his 86th cap against Portugal.

Lehmann took over from Kahn as Germany's number one ahead of the World Cup and the Arsenal custodian impressed at the finals.

The former Borussia Dortmund keeper believes that the rivalry between the pair helped push them on.

"I think we were a very entertaining goalkeeping duo for the media and the public over the years," said Lehmann.

"But I can say from my point of view that we pushed ourselves greatly in our performances - because you knew if you wanted to play, you were not allowed to let it slip.

"We dominated the goalkeeping scene for quite a while.

"He has three tournaments, while I have one. Now I have played a tournament which makes me happy, but our relationship was defined by incredible competition."

Kahn put aside their rivalry by helping Lehmann ahead of the penalty shoot-out victory over Argentina and Lehmann appreciated the gesture from the Bayern Munich man.

"It was a very nice gesture without a doubt," added Lehmann.

"I think it changed our relationship.

"During a World Cup, the competitive situation - which dominated the build-up to the tournament - is forgotten. It was the same with me in 2002.

"During a tournament you say to yourself: `Well, I am sitting on the bench. I need to support the team and cannot cause any problems'. You have to be quiet.

"Oliver has accepted that perfectly and also lived up to it."