Football

Manuel Almunia opens up on "difficult" Jens Lehmann relationship at Arsenal


Manuel Almunia has lifted the lid on his tenuous relationship with Jens Lehmann at Arsenal that once saw them embroiled in a training ground row.

The two goalkeepers battled for a place in the Gunners’ starting line-up following Almunia’s arrival in 2004.

Lehmann had already been at the club for a season, cementing his place as no.1 following the departure of club legend David Seaman.

Almunia was drafted in by then-Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger from Spanish side Celta Vigo as competition for Lehmann, and admitted to the Athletic that at first it was a dream working relationship.

“So when I got to Arsenal and I found this super goalkeeper, one of my idols, one of my favourite goalkeepers ever, I couldn’t believe it,” Almunia said. “I found that super-professional player with strong character, a winner and I really, really enjoyed [working with him].”

Lehmann (L) and Almunia (R) were rivals for the no.1 jersey at Arsenal
Lehmann (L) and Almunia (R) were rivals for the no.1 jersey at Arsenal

Despite Wenger preferring Lehmann for much of the first few years, Almunia eventually ousted the World Cup winner in the 2007-08 season, forcing his counterpart to move elsewhere.

That was not before the pair had been involved in a training ground spat, which led to periods where they would say little to each other apart from the usual pleasantries.

“The problems came when I was very excited and very fit, training well with so much energy and at that same time [Lehmann] wasn’t having his best time at Arsenal, so when Arsene Wenger decided to change the no.1… he’s a winner and he took it very badly, which is normal,” Almunia added.

Almunia was thrust into the 2006 Champions League final after Lehmann saw red
Almunia was thrust into the 2006 Champions League final after Lehmann saw red

“He’s a national-team goalkeeper, big name, and I’m a small goalkeeper from Spain who comes along and makes it difficult for him — he’s thinking, ‘What the hell? This is not possible?’ So yes, we had difficult moments.”

Almunia revealed he would regularly hope Lehmann would make mistakes in order for him to be given a chance, and suggested that was “normal” between rivalling goalkeepers.

Though he claims he “felt sorry” for his teammate when he was sent off just 17 minutes into the 2006 Champions League final, thrusting Almunia into action.

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And in spite of their healthy competition, Almunia explained how they eventually parted on good terms after attending a club dinner with their wives.

“They [Lehmann and his wife] just started talking to us like friends, like nice people, you know? I looked at my wife like, ‘Can you believe this?’ But from that moment we had a very good relationship.”

Almunia retired from football in 2014 after the diagnosis of a heart problem following a two-year spell with Watford .

He now coaches the goalkeepers of Abu Dhabi-based side Al Jazira FC.





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