Jens Lehmann is unconcerned by
Arsenals failure to win silverware this season, blaming fatigue
and failing fortunes in front of goal.
The German No 1 believes Arsène Wenger's squad has the potential to
become a dominant force. But the stopper warned he and his
team-mates must prove it by growing stronger from their luckless
campaign.
This season we probably lacked a bit of freshness, said Lehmann.
We had to deal with some injuries. The aftermath of the World Cup
and the whole Champions League campaign has not been positive for
us. Sometimes you have a season where you have to take a breather.
But the team could be even better next season.
"The only game we really deserved to lose in the whole season was
against Liverpool last week. All the other games we made the game,
we had chances, but somehow we didn't manage to win. That's our
biggest failure this season.
Saturdays defeat to West Ham United was such an occasion. Arsenal
failed to score despite 29 attempts on goal and went down 1-0 to an
opportunist strike from Bobby Zamora. Lehmann echoed the sentiments
of his manager by highlighting the positives the Gunners can take
into Mondays game at Newcastle.
"When you lose it's always a disappointment but you have to cope
with it," he said. "You can't feel sorry for yourself. At least we
created a lot of chances. If you don't create a chance and you lose
1-0, then you have to worry, but the way we played wasn't that
bad.
"We always have motivation to do better and against West Ham we
certainly did better compared to the two last games. All that was
missing was a goal or two.
Lehmanns also revealed his future at Arsenal is still uncertain.
The 37-year-old's contract runs out in the summer but he insists it
is his decision whether he stays in North London. Lehmann
acknowledged the potential of the side will be a factor in his
choice but said he needs to think long and hard before accepting
another deal.
"I've always said I'd like to play at Arsenal," said Lehmann. "I'm
certainly aware that the team has potential. What we showed last
season in the Champions League wasn't a coincidence.
"I can decide to be a part [next season]. It's my decision. I have
to make the decision. I can stay, of course I can stay, but I have
to talk before. We will see. I don't really know. It's a tough
decision I have to make."