| okr said: Jens Lehmann was installed as No.1 when Oliver Kahn was demoted to No. 2 by Jürgen Klinsmann only a few weeks before World Championships 2006. It was a sensation in Germany, it created a mass media earthquake. Sepp Maier (who was the goal coach of FC Bayern and the national team then) went crazy, insulted Klinsmann and was dismissed. It was clear what Klinsmann wanted: Decrease the enormous influence FC Bayern always had (especially behind the scenes) on the national team since the 70s - similar to Ajax in Holland. The idea was not bad, but Lehmann was the wrong choice from the start. Substitute an aged world-class keeper by an overrated middle-class keeper at nearly the same age was not the smartest move. Even worse: Germany's No. 2 (and designated No. 1 after Euro 2008), Timo Hildebrandt, was thrown out of the team by Löw right before Euro 2008 and replaced by another keeper. This was the second goalkeeper sensation in Germany within two years. In the last decades, the 2nd goalkeeper always and ever was promoted after the No.1 retired. But Hildebrandt wasn't even allowed to be in the team as No. 2 or 3. That was a shabby move by Löw and a very strange decision. I hope Hildebrandt gets another chance. He's an excellent keeper. BTW: Edwin van der Saar was in great shape in this tournament. Unlike Lehmann he showed how experienced goalkeepers should play and his performances absolutely justifed his nomination.
|
I didn't know there was so much controversy about goalies at my eastern neighbours. Anyway, I agree with you that it seems to be a weird decision to replace Kahn for Lehmann, if it is really time for change pick a younger goalkeeper with the potential to be the goalkeeper for the next 5 to 10 years. But then again, if Klinsmann really felt Lehmann was the best goalkeeper in Germany his choice can be justified (and Germany did pretty well on the last world cup, although I don't remember how well Lehmann played). Well, the bright side of the story for you is that it will only last one more game, regardless of whether Germany wins the championship or not, you at least get to celebrate the end of Jens Lehmann as goalkeeper for die Mannschaft. 
For us in the Netherlands the situation is really different, Van der Sar indeed has been a great goalkeeper for the team for years now. But he decided to quit after the championship, so we'll have to play with a new goalkeeper from now on. I'm sure we won't be picking some 35 year old though!
