‘Jens Lehmann’s attitude will benefit the entire squad’ – Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

Jens Lehmann

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that new short-term signing Jens Lehmann’s attitude will have a positive effect on the Gunners’ squad, stating that his actions will speak louder than his words.

Lehmann, who retired last year after two seasons at German club Stuttgart, has rejoined Arsenal on a short-term basis as the club were rocked by injuries to the majority of their goalkeepers.

Wojciech Szczesny, Lukasz Fabianski and Vito Mannone are all currently sidelined, leaving just Manuel Almunia as their only fit ‘keeper and prompting Wenger to bring the former Germany international out of retirement.

Lehmann, who has been capped 61 times by Germany, has often been described as an enigma, but one thing is certain, he definitely has a presence off the field and will speak his mind.

Wenger isn’t worried about that, however; rather he believes the former Borussia Dortmund man’s professionalism will give his squad a lift in their pursuit of the Premier League title.

Talking to Arsenal’s official website, Wenger said: “Jens is not a talker, it is more his attitude. He has focus and determination.

“If he needs to say something to somebody, he does.

“He can help with this and can show what is really important. It is not only my speech, it is his speech. Everyone in the staff will have a part to play in it.”

Lehmann originally joined Arsenal in the summer of 2003 as successor to David Seaman, and was ever-present in his first season as a Gunner as the team completed the entire season undefeated to lift the Premier League crown. In all, the German made 199 first-team appearances for Arsenal, keeping 79 clean sheets.