JENS LEHMANN has revealed his mounting frustration at
his lack of Arsenal action this year. The German international has
played in only five of the Gunners last 12 games and is suspended
for this Sundays Carling Cup final clash with Chelsea. And keeper
Lehmann, 37, is growing tired of life on the sidelines as he tries
to convince Arsene Wenger to give him a new
contract.
Gunners boss Wenger has decided to play back-up keeper Manuel
Almunia in the domestic cup competitions this season while Lehmann
remains No 1 for the Premiership and Champions League. Asked
whether Arsenals mounting fixture congestion is taking its toll on
the squad, Lehmann replied: I dont know. Ask the other players. I
dont play twice a week.
For me the break between games is probably too long but we have
this rubbish system in England with all the cup games and you have
to go with that. Lehmann played in Tuesdays 1-0 Champions League
defeat away to PSV Eindhoven but will not feature again until the
Premiership game against Reading on March 3.
And Almunia, 29, is determined to make the most of Lehmanns
absence against Chelsea on Sunday and in next weeks FA Cup replay
at Blackburn. The Spanish stopper admits: Like everyone, I am
happy when I am playing and upset when I am back on the
bench.
I get on fine with Jens. We respect each other and there is no
problem between us. But the only person who helps me to improve is
the goalkeeping coach Gerry Peyton. With Arsenal refusing to offer
Lehmann more than 12 months on his new contract, Wenger has already
hinted that Almunia could be his first-choice goalkeeper for next
season.
Almunia added: I am glad to hear that because I know the boss is
very happy with my performances. The most important thing for me
right now is the Carling Cup final and I am very excited about
that. This game is my finest moment in England and am very proud
for all the young players and for myself as well.
Wenger has already said that striker Henry and defender William
Gallas will not feature in Sundays game. And Henry insists: Since
Ive been at Arsenal I never play in the Carling Cup. I think I
have only played two games in this competition.
Whoever has played in all the wins at West Brom, at Everton, at
Liverpool and against Spurs in the semi-final deserves to play
again in the final. I will be at Cardiff on Sunday to cheer the
team and whoever plays I hope it will be a good game for us and
that we win the cup for our supporters.
