If Jens Lehmann is the answer, exactly what IS the question?
“Arsenal have a goalkeeper emergency at the moment. I’ll gladly step in.” – Jens Lehmann to Das Bild
If media reports are true, then Arsenal are set to tender 41 year old former keeper the chance to return to the team as Manuel Almunia’s backup until Wojiech Szczesny returns for the last few games of the season. At first blush this looks to be one of those moves that leves you scratching your head and going – WTF?
But if you dig down, there might be other more practical reasons why Wenger is (as reported) reaching out to Jens Lehmann. First let’s just remember. He was the spine of one our most glorious moments in club history. He was also not without some glaring errors that left the team blushing. What ever you think in the scant 5 years he was at the club he a personality of magnitude. Soon after leaving the club he went back to the Bundesliga. And it was June of last year that he finally decided to retire after his illustrious career was certainly over.
My name is Jens . . . I win things.
But the “mad man” looks to be back as a player. However, we didn’t need to go far to look for him as he is actually working with Arsenal as a coach working with young keepers. He is working on coaching badges so he is right there with Wenger and the possibility of Wenger reaching out to him doesn’t seem so unlikely. As a matter of fact I would say Jens was likely Wenger’s first choice after Szczesny.
Say what you will about Jens – he is a winner and he is vocal. Of those two things there should be no doubt. He is exactly the kind of personality this team needs right now at this particular moment. To me it is that kind of presence – that one singular presence that can just absolutely shred teammates when they are slacking, or pull them together when the chips seem stacked against. Whatever, they need that person.
Jack Wilshere likely at some point will be that person. So too maybe Aaron Ramsey but at their age it is asking too much. Van Persie is not a vocal leader. He is the quite strap the team on his back type. That is how he leads. And Cesc is also a performance leader. As much as I love the lad, he just doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy who is sitting in the locker room yelling at people to get their acts together.
Finally, our manager is a cerebral leader. I don’t suspect he does many “blow drier” speeched ala Fergie. I suspect they may happen once in a blue moon. No Wenger’s style is to be a father to the team. Make them see their potential and strive for it rather than challenging and calling them on it. And you know what, there is nothing wrong with that, especially when you have the bad cop or let’s say vocal cop in the team.
I’m going to be honest – I love this move for exactly why I theorize it has happened. Sure, this is a problem that could be addressed by bringing in a “mature winning type player.” But is it. Being new on a team even if you are a star is not an easy task of becoming the vocal leader for it. You have to be part of a team and for some time you have to follow what is going on the team and fill that void after you have only proven yourself. That is why bringing in someone isn’t always the answer.
Jens comes to Arsenal with instant credibility. There isn’t anyone in that room who doesn’t know him. Even new boys Squilly and Koosh will know who he is. He has done the deed and know what it takes. He is going to call it like he sees it. Hell this is a guy I would offer the player/coach role to in an instant.
Sure it smacks of desperation. But if going down to one available keeper from four isn’t desperate I don’t know what is. Sure it is likely some area Wenger should’ve covered with more proven players before. That’s not his plan right now. Take it for what it is. It is a chance for us to be thoroughly entertained by one hell of an Arsena player.
Oh, and one other plus I don’t want to leave out – when was the last time we actually all thought Almunia had what it took to be a star keeper? When he was trying to keep Jens Lehmann on the bench.
By the way next season’s old timer signing will be none other than Dennis Bergkamp. Let’s see RvP hit the word work after he comes in and steals his place.
