Interview with Jens Lehmann: "Ronaldo is now better than Messi"
Jens Lehmann had an amazing career as a goalkeeper. Whilst playing for the likes of Arsenal, Germany, Schalke, Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart, the custodian went on to win the Premier League title in 2003/04, Bundesliga in 2001/02, Serie A in 1998/99, the FA Cup in 2004/05, the FA Community Shield in 2004 as well as the UEFA Cup in 1996/97.
Runners-up medals in the 2006 Champions League, 2002 FIFA World Cup and 2008 Euro also adorn his cabinet. Individually, he was awarded the UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year two times (1997, 2006), the best goalkeeper by UEFA in 2005/06 and was included in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team in 2006.
In an interview with Sportskeeda, Lehmann admits that had he not been sent off in the Champions League final in 2006, Arsenal would have beaten Barcelona. He also believes that his former club, Arsenal, and Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp have the best chance to win the Premier League this year and the Gunners are one of the favourites for the Champions League. Lehmann speaks to us about Arsene Wenger and Bundesliga as well.
It’s been 5-6 years since you retired from football. Which trophy, game or period brings back nostalgic memories?
I had luck and some good memories. Particularly the UEFA Cup win with Schalke and the Premier League with Arsenal stands out.
You spent five years at Arsenal (2003-2008) and was with them when they won their last Premier League title in 2004. Is 2016/17 the season that Arsenal can win the Premier League or Champions League or both?
They are doing great as of now in both competitions and can win them.
How was your relationship with Arsene Wenger?
Good, he got the best out of me; the very best after he had rested me for 10 games.
Why do you think Arsenal keep Wenger despite the fact that they have failed to win the Premier League in over a decade?
Because he is the most successful manager in making money for the club.
In 2006, Arsenal played in the Champions League final against Barcelona, which was their last big moment in the competition. Was your sending-off the moment in your career you regret the most? Could Arsenal have won the trophy if you hadn't received the red card or were Barcelona too strong?
We were the best team by far and I think that we would have won it without my sending-off. I regret that a lot.
Borussia Dortmund won the group in the Champions League with Real Madrid in it as well. Is your previous team capable of reaching the final again after being runners-up in 2013 and 20 years after their Champions League win?
No, it is too early for them.
RB Leipzig are above Bayern Munich right now in the Bundesliga table. Can RB Leipzig be the new Leicester?
They can be a one-off in that respect.
Jürgen Klopp was hired by Dortmund five years after you left the team and he did a great job. Do you think he is exactly the manager Liverpool need to win the Premier League title for the first time?
He has changed Liverpool already into an attractive side. I think they can win the Premier League this year; next year it will be difficult with a possible Europa League or Champions League appearance.
Germany is one of the most successful national teams of modern times, and the current world champions. What makes them so accomplished in recent years?
Our mentality most of all. We do things properly, and give 110% than 100%.
Which striker was the most difficult to beat?
I never beat strikers; they tried to beat me.
Who were your favourite teammates in all your teams?
I had wonderful teammates all over and do not want to pick one.
Which goalkeeper do you regard as the best right now?
Difficult to say. Cech and Neuer are among the very best.
Do you prefer Messi or Ronaldo as a player?
Messi is a great player and fantastic. Ronaldo has made it in England where it is harder than in Spain and is probably a little ahead right now.
You are very active outside of football as an ambassador of UNICEF, Academies and Foundations. What prompted you to lend a hand to this project?
It is an obligation which I would not like to miss, to give something back to people who were not as fortunate as I was.