Jens Lehmann denies rivalry with Manuel Almunia at Arsenal

EPL: Jens Lehmann, Arsenal – Reading (PA)

Related Links

Teams

Players

Jens Lehmann insists he is willing to bury the hatchet and work with Manuel Almunia if he makes a comeback at Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger’s side are currently enduring a goalkeeping crisis, as Wojciech Szczesny is out for six weeks due to a dislocated finger while Lukasz Fabianski is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a shoulder injury.

With Vito Mannone out on loan at Hull City, Almunia remains the only shot-stopper currently at manager Wenger’s disposal.

It is now thought the Arsenal manager may call on Lehmann to come out of retirement to help out his former club during an hour of need. And despite having previously called it a “humiliation” to have lost his place to Almunia some seasons back, the German insists that he does not harbour ill feeling any more.

“There is no rivalry on my part any more. That was three years ago,” said Lehmann, according to the Daily Express.

“It is a different situation now and it’s just great to be coming back. I jumped at the chance to help Arsenal.

“I will help Almunia or whoever is in goal. I know that I will be the keeper on the bench.”

Arsenal play West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on Sunday, being three points behind league leaders Manchester United – albeit with a game in hand. And Lehmann believes that despite bowing out of three competitions in recent times, the Gunners have what it takes to win the league.

He said: “This time I’m looking forward to being in a back-up role and will look to support Almunia. We can still win the title.”