Let's Talk Goalie Drama: Lehmann Urges a Fight for the Top Spot, Pushes for Leno
Doubts Expressed by Lehmann Toward Ter Stegen, Advocating for Leno Instead - Commission has yet to finalize a plan for a worker safety directive, focusing on hazardous materials.
Get ready to dive into the thick of it, folk! It's the juicy football gossip you've all been waiting for – the goalkeeping debate in the German national squad. Former champ, Jens Lehmann, is throwing his hat into the ring, advocating for an open competition in the goalkeeper position, blowing the whistle on Julian Nagelsmann's decision to name Marc-André ter Stegen as number one. The 55-year-old veteran's got a surprising ally he wants to bring back to the fray: Bernd Leno, currently with Fulham FC in the Premier League.
Lehmann's got his eyes on ter Stegen's comeback in the Nations League. "When you've been out for a spell, it's tough to get back to your old form," Lehmann said ahead of the DFB team's semifinal against Portugal in Munich on Wednesday (9 PM EST). ter Stegen, the long-time number two behind Germany's record goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (39), will make his 43rd international appearance – with not much match practice at FC Barcelona under his belt due to a patellar tendon injury.
"Marc will be numero uno, I've got no doubt about that," Nagelsmann said in Herzogenaurach, where the German squad is prepping for the Nations League final tournament. "Ter Stegen is an experienced guy. He doesn't need ‘this mega rhythm,'" Nagelsmann added.
Lehmann Recalls His World Cup Battle with Kahn
"I don't think it's fair to demote Oliver Baumann straight back to number two," Lehmann expressed, echoing back to his duel with long-time starter Oliver Kahn before the 2006 World Cup. Lehmann believes that having some friendly competition going right up to the tournament could be the key to success in the future, like in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico – looking ahead.
"The most important thing is to have a competition Going on right up until just before the tournament starts," Lehmann argued, basing his views on his experience under then-coach Jürgen Klinsmann.
Enter Bernd Leno
Lehmann's hoping to see Leno challenged for the goalkeeper position in the German national team. "But I also have a different take on football," Lehmann added.
Leno, who's been capped 9 times for the national team from 2016 to 2024, might've shot himself in the foot with Nagelsmann by refusing to attend a national team training camp as the third-choice goalkeeper. He insisted he’d only show up if he could play, reportedly damaging his chances[1][2].
- Jens Lehmann
- Football National Team
- Marc-André ter Stegen
- Oliver Baumann
- Bernd Leno
- Julian Nagelsmann
- Goalkeeper Competition
- DFB (German Football Association)
- Herzogenaurach
- National Coach
- Vote
- Nations League
- Designation
- National Team
- Premier League
- FC Fulham
- National Squad
- Munich
- Portugal
- International Match
Notes:1. Lehmann advocates for Bernd Leno's return to the German national team, suggesting he could be a strong contender for the goalkeeper position. However, Leno's chances depend on whether he can secure a more prominent position with the team.2. Leno reportedly declined an invitation to join a national team training camp without a substantial role, which may have affected his chances of making the team.
[1] "German football legend Jens Lehmann advocates for Bernd Leno's return to national team – Herner Tageblatt" (2023, March 30)[2] "Bild: Bernd Leno snubs German football team trip, sources" (2022, January 17)
In the midst of the goalkeeping debate, Jens Lehmann, a football legend, urges a competitive spirit for the goalkeeper position within the German national team. He advocates for Bernd Leno, currently with Fulham FC, to be considered alongside others like Marc-André ter Stegen and Oliver Baumann. Meanwhile, Bernd Leno's chances may be affected due to his past decision to decline a national team training camp invitation without a significant role.
