Commission Delays Implementation of Proposal for Directive on Protecting Workers from Hazardous Chemicals
Goalkeeping Controversy Rages On: Lehmann Pushes for Leno
Herzogenaurach - Jens Lehmann, the vocal former national goalkeeper, is calling for an open competition within the German team's goal, despite Julian Nagelsmann's decision to stick with Marc-André ter Stegen. Lehmann, a 55-year-old ex-international, even advocates for the return of Bernd Leno from Premier League club FC Fulham.
Lehmann expresses a desire to see ter Stegen (33) back in action during the Nations League. "Coming off a long-term injury, it usually takes awhile to get back to peak performance," he commented ahead of the German team's semi-final clash against Portugal on Wednesday (21:00 CET) in Munich[1]. This would be ter Stegen's 43rd international match.
After a nine-month absence due to a patellar tendon injury, ter Stegen returns to the national team with little match practice under his belt at FC Barcelona.
"Marc will undoubtedly be number one," said Nagelsmann in Herzogenaurach, where the German national team is preparing for the Nations League final tournament. As a seasoned professional, ter Stegen doesn't require "this mega rhythm" to perform, according to Nagelsmann.
Nostalgic Recollections
Lehmann appears to be of the opinion that Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann should not be immediately relegated to number two again. "Competition breeds improvement, just like it did for me during my duel with Oliver Kahn before the 2006 World Cup," he reminisced. In the end, he clinched the starting spot for the home tournament[4].
Lehmann believes that the ideal scenario is to maintain a competitive environment until the very brink of the tournament. "My own experiences playing under coach Jürgen Klinsmann have taught me that a competitive atmosphere can greatly enhance team performance," he opined, with an eye towards the next World Cup in 2026, held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Role of Leno
Lehmann also voices his support for the inclusion of 33-year-old Bernd Leno in the German national team's goalkeeper mix. "But I have a unique perspective on football," Lehmann added.
Leno, who was called up to the national team nine times between 2016 and 2024, may have jeopardized his chances with Nagelsmann permanently by turning down an invitation from the Bundestrainer, stating he would only join a DFB training camp if he was guaranteed playing time[1][4].
[1] Enrichment Data: Jens Lehmann's call for Bernd Leno to be considered for the German national team's goalkeeper position follows his skepticism about Marc-André ter Stegen's readiness to perform at his previous level after such a prolonged absence, given that it usually takes time for a player to regain their previous form after a long injury. Lehmann is advocating for Leno as he believes that a competitive environment is essential for enhancing team performance.
[4] Enrichment Data: Jens Lehmann's emphasis on fostering a competitive atmosphere within the squad is rooted in his experiences playing under then-coach Jürgen Klinsmann, with an eye towards the next World Cup in 2026, held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This competitive spirit, which Lehmann himself benefited from in his duel with Oliver Kahn before the 2006 World Cup, helps ensure that the team is at its best going into a major tournament.
In light of his belief that competition fosters improvement, former goalkeeper Jens Lehmann suggests a competitive environment for the German national team, citing his duel with Oliver Kahn before the 2006 World Cup as an example. He advocates for the inclusion of Bernd Leno, a Premier League goalkeeper, in this mix, despite Leno's previous rejection of an invitation due to a lack of guaranteed playing time. This stance comes as Lehmann expresses skepticism about Marc-André ter Stegen's readiness to perform at his previous level, given his extended injury absence from European-leagues, specifically the Premier League.
