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Arsenal need to prove they are contenders: Jens Lehmann

BLACKPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: Jens Lehman of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between Blackpool and Arsenal at Bloomfield Road on April 10, 2011 in Blackpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jens Lehman
BLACKPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: Jens Lehman of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between Blackpool and Arsenal at Bloomfield Road on April 10, 2011 in Blackpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jens Lehman

It has been 12 seasons since Arsenal last won the Premier League title in 2003/04, with supporters becoming increasingly disgruntled at their lack of league success.

Last season’s second-place finish - for only the second time since their title triumph - may have given fans hope the team can contend again this season.

Arsenal club legend Jens Lehmann, who played every game of that remarkable unbeaten title-winning season, believes it is imperative for Arsene Wenger’s men to do so.

Speaking to Singapore media as part of his role as Bundesliga ambassador on Monday afternoon, the 46-year-old said he believed there is no clear favourite even though the Gunners’ rivals have improved their squads.

“Of course, they have to challenge for the title,” Lehmann said. “The other teams are not that good as well. Manchester City last year were very average and Chelsea were a disappointment, although they have improved this season. Manchester United and City are probably better [than last season].

“I would say Arsenal is consistent… They don’t have a long, bad spell of losing games.”

Noting their shaky start of four points from their first three games, Lehmann added, half in jest, “I would like to see them (Arsenal) doing badly until March and then playing fantastically, unlike other seasons where they have played fantastically [early on] and then dropped after March!”

Lehmann, who made 200 appearances for Arsenal, also spoke about his record-breaking run of 10 consecutive clean sheets in the 2005/06 Champions League season.

‘Biggest’ career moment and regret
He played a pivotal role in their run to the final as he went 853 minutes without conceding a goal, made all the more remarkable as he had a makeshift defence ahead of him - regulars Lauren, Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole were injured, leaving Emmanuel Eboue, Philippe Senderos and eighth-choice left-back Mathieu Flamini to step in.

“I think, actually, it was my biggest achievement ever and it will not be repeated by anyone ever again,” he said. “I was desperate to do so because I wanted to play for Germany [at that time]... I was [a bit] lucky [and] to be honest, we played with a defence which was not really great.”

However, Lehmann was sent off just 18 minutes into the final against Barcelona, which they ended up losing 2-1. The failure to win Europe’s biggest prize haunts him and he readily admitted he might have been overzealous in trying to extend his record, which led to him committing a professional foul on Samuel Eto’o.
“Yes it’s a regret not to win the Champions League,” said the refreshingly candid Lehmann, who has won the UEFA Cup with Schalke 04, the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and both FA Cup and Premier League with Arsenal.

“Sometimes, it’s funny – because everyone was talking about not conceding a single goal throughout, I told myself I will not concede in the final and I was so desperate not to concede, I made a wrong decision in the split second - why did I [have to] touch him?”

Claudio Bravo has completed the formalities over his reported £17 million move to Manchester City, but his lack of training with his new team means has not been considered for a starting place
Claudio Bravo has completed the formalities over his reported £17 million move to Manchester City, but his lack of training with his new team means has not been considered for a starting place

Bravo will not benefit Man City
Another difficult moment came during the 1998/99 season, when he left to join AC Milan in Italy after 10 seasons at his first club Schalke. He did not adapt well and was dropped for poor performances, which led to him heading back to Germany to join Borussia Dortmund after just six games.

“I should have stayed in Milan,” he reflected. “I had a bad goalkeeping coach, but I should have been more patient.

“Actually, that helped me during my time [later] in Arsenal [when I did not play much during 2004/05]. Wenger said, ‘If you want to leave, leave’. But I said ‘No, I am staying’ and I came back better.”

The two-time UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year, who was capped 61 times by Germany, Lehmann also pulled no punches when assessing the current goalkeeping situation at Manchester City. Pep Guardiola has signed Barcelona’s Claudio Bravo to replace long-time England number one Joe Hart, but Lehmann is not convinced.

“I cannot imagine, that he) will be a benefit for them,” he said bluntly. “I would advise him (Hart) to move on, because he will not have a chance [again under Guardiola].”