Post by Salem6 on Nov 21, 2003 18:45:26 GMT
Friday 21st November 2003
Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on goalkeeper Jens Lehmann and insists he is every bit as good as David Seaman.
The German international was brought to Highbury in the summer to replace Seaman, who decided to continue his playing career at Manchester City.
Lehmann has had an indifferent start to his spell with Arsenal, but Wenger is delighted with the way he has performed.
"I am very pleased with my goalkeeper, he has done very well - especially in The Premiership," said Wenger.
"In the Champions League he will concede goals, he had one average game and on the second goal he made a mistake, but you cannot expect a goalkeeper to go the entire season without making a mistake so overall I am very pleased because he has been remarkably consistent.
"He reads the game well, he is brave and was amazing at the start of the season.
"It was an issue when I signed a player after Seaman, I wanted an experienced keeper as it would be too difficult for a keeper with no experience.
"I also wanted someone with experience of a big club and he has a lot of international experience too, that is why I went for Lehmann.
"The way he works and his attitude in training, he will always get better as long as he can cope with the physical aspect of the game.
"I think he is now settling in and integrating well, I think he will always get better, he is an international keeper and is of the calibre of Seaman."
Wenger admitted that his squad are 'decimated' and he may be forced to bring in some of his younger squad members, one of which is full back Justin Hoyte - who could make his Premiership debut at Birmingham on Saturday.
"We want to keep the run going after a good performance against Tottenham, we need to stay focused despite the fact we have been decimated buy many injuries and suspensions," he continued.
"We have to show we can respond under this kind of circumstance, it will not be the easiest task, but it is my job and I'll try to find a balanced team that has a chance of winning the game.
"Justin [Hoyte] is in contention, he is in the squad and I'll make up my mind on Saturday, but one of the young players could get a chance.
"It is normal that a guy wants to show what he has done and how much he has progressed, I am pleased for him - I like him as a person.
"I was considering bringing back the players on loan, but I feel they could get back here and not play, so it is better they get regular first team football and get the experience we know is essential."
Wenger confirmed that either Hoyte or Pascal Cygan will fill in for the suspended Lauren.
"It will be Cygan or Hoyte but I haven't made my mind up yet," Wenger said.
"Kolo has played at right back before and Pascal has adapted to the intensity of The Premiership after being surprised by it last year.
"Hoyte does deserve to play, though, and I'm of a mind to play him."
www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,40-1112213,00.html
Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on goalkeeper Jens Lehmann and insists he is every bit as good as David Seaman.
The German international was brought to Highbury in the summer to replace Seaman, who decided to continue his playing career at Manchester City.
Lehmann has had an indifferent start to his spell with Arsenal, but Wenger is delighted with the way he has performed.
"I am very pleased with my goalkeeper, he has done very well - especially in The Premiership," said Wenger.
"In the Champions League he will concede goals, he had one average game and on the second goal he made a mistake, but you cannot expect a goalkeeper to go the entire season without making a mistake so overall I am very pleased because he has been remarkably consistent.
"He reads the game well, he is brave and was amazing at the start of the season.
"It was an issue when I signed a player after Seaman, I wanted an experienced keeper as it would be too difficult for a keeper with no experience.
"I also wanted someone with experience of a big club and he has a lot of international experience too, that is why I went for Lehmann.
"The way he works and his attitude in training, he will always get better as long as he can cope with the physical aspect of the game.
"I think he is now settling in and integrating well, I think he will always get better, he is an international keeper and is of the calibre of Seaman."
Wenger admitted that his squad are 'decimated' and he may be forced to bring in some of his younger squad members, one of which is full back Justin Hoyte - who could make his Premiership debut at Birmingham on Saturday.
"We want to keep the run going after a good performance against Tottenham, we need to stay focused despite the fact we have been decimated buy many injuries and suspensions," he continued.
"We have to show we can respond under this kind of circumstance, it will not be the easiest task, but it is my job and I'll try to find a balanced team that has a chance of winning the game.
"Justin [Hoyte] is in contention, he is in the squad and I'll make up my mind on Saturday, but one of the young players could get a chance.
"It is normal that a guy wants to show what he has done and how much he has progressed, I am pleased for him - I like him as a person.
"I was considering bringing back the players on loan, but I feel they could get back here and not play, so it is better they get regular first team football and get the experience we know is essential."
Wenger confirmed that either Hoyte or Pascal Cygan will fill in for the suspended Lauren.
"It will be Cygan or Hoyte but I haven't made my mind up yet," Wenger said.
"Kolo has played at right back before and Pascal has adapted to the intensity of The Premiership after being surprised by it last year.
"Hoyte does deserve to play, though, and I'm of a mind to play him."
www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,40-1112213,00.html
