The Soccer Blog: The Return of Mad Jens?

Monday, 14 March 2011

The Return of Mad Jens?

By: Sairax | March 14th, 2011
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Hold onto your hats people. He’s back. He’s 41 years old. He’s German. And he’s madder than a box of frogs.

jensal

Yes, ladies and gentleman, it’s Mad Jens Lehmann. That lovable goalkeeper of Arsenal past that you just can’t get enough of. He joined Arsenal back in 2003 to replace the indomitable David Seaman in goal and went on to go the entire season unbeaten with the famed “Invincibles” team. In his subsequent seasons, he wasn’t always the most consistent between the sticks and played with an unpredictable style that gave him his “mad” moniker. In the 2005-2006 season he was back in form and playing great for the Arsenal. That was the season we went all the way to the Champions League final, and Jens managed to keep 10 consecutive clean sheets during that run, a Champions League record. Arsenal faced Barcelona in the final where Jens got sent off in 18th minute for a professional foul on Samuel Eto’o. Almunia deputized that day and we went on to lose 2-1. A heartbreaking memory for gooners everywhere.

In his last couple of seasons he slowly began to fall out of favour with Le Boss and found himself being benched for Almunia. He didn’t take to that too well, but he took his spot on the bench (and really, he only has nice things to say about Almunia ever since he left the club). He still made some appearances, many in FA Cup games and the like. However, it seemed that his time with Arsenal was nearing its end. His last match for Arsenal was on May 4, 2008 when he came on as a substitute in the 2nd half versus Everton. He was given a standing ovation and he took to the centre circle to bow and applaud the fans. It was sad but inevitable. He was 37 and slightly on the decline and his off colour antics weren’t helping him. He left for Stuttgart and stayed there until 2010 when he announced his retirement from football.

So now here we are, with Almunia being our only fit keeper, looking for an emergency call up, and guess who happens to be in town working on his coaching badges? Jens freaking Lehmann. He is currently in talks with the club to sign on for the rest of the season to provide cover during our goalkeeping crisis. We would be able to sign outside of the transfer window without making a special request because he is currently a free agent.

jenseboue

I don’t know about all of you but the first thing I thought was “HOLY CRAP! IT’S MAD JENS! OMG OMG HE’S BACK!!” Sorry, I can be a bit excitable at times. Truth is, I freaking love Jens Lehmann. He’s big and scary, a good goalkeeper, funny as hell, and proper mental. Just how I like my goalkeepers. Being an avid watcher of international tournaments back in the day, I remember his rivalry with Oliver Kahn and Jens’ immense performances during the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Good times. We probably will not see him starting any games, but he will be there on the bench come Saturday if what I’m hearing is accurate. If it were up to me, I’d have him play the Stoke game. Even if he punched out Shawcross’ lights and got sent off, it would totally be worth it for me. In fact, throw him in against Blackburn and the Spuds too while you’re at it.

It seems Wenger had only one name in mind when he realized we were down to bare bones in the goalkeeping department. Really, if you think about it, who else is available that would be better? Remember, it would have to be someone who isn’t needed badly by their club at the moment and would be allowed to come in for the last 10 games. Not many options really. So what’s the harm? Maybe he’s not what he once was, but there’s so much he can bring. First of all, he’s won things with the club and has played in some massive games for club and country. He’s not easily fazed and could give some of our players a real kick up the backside during our run-in. Maybe it’s nostalgia and sentimentality coming over me, but I just love the idea of him coming back. His presence could do a world of good in the dressing room. Look at how Sol Campbell was when he came back. He had all the passion and intensity that we long for in a player. In the short term it could really have an impact. And can you imagine Jens and Wojo kickin’ it after games together? If Szczesny wasn’t crazy like a fox already, surely he will be after spending a couple of months around good old Jens. Not to mention, Almunia tends to perform better when he’s got some competition on his tail, or just being in the vicinity of Lehmann. Win-win, right?

Courtesy of Keith the Gooner:

LehmanReturns

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Category: Transfer News and Player Movement, Transfers, Video

Tags: Jens Lehmann, Manuel Almunia, Transfer News and Player Movement, Transfers, Video
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FREE SHIPPING,accept paypalHomey_MillsFor me, this isn't the biggest injury replacement news. The bigger question is who backs up Kos and Squizz now that Djourou is out for the year? There's a much better chance that one of them gets hurt, than Almunia getting hurt. Plus, with Song out for now, one of the natural stop-gap replacements is out too.
I think I'm sweating our central defensive pair more than our goalie situation.JGCan we recall Bartley?Homey_MillsI'm thinking not. I think he's pretty regular in their lineup, and I'm sure they wouldn't part with him unless we had some right to it. And I doubt that.JGIf worst comes to the very worst, and we're left to one fit senior CB, and Song isn't back, I wouldn't mind Sagna at CB with Eboue at RB. I hope it doesn't come to that, though.Homey_MillsProbably correct. I'm just saying that's a more relevant topic than who's backing up Almunia. Much better chance of something like that happening.AnneThis is seriously awesome. Thanks for the great post about it Sairax, a bit of needed history for a new Gooner. I too am giddy and anticipatory, especially as a staunch fan of German football! Mad Jens is back!!Perry S.This season, to this point in time, has been one big stupid.JGWin-Win. As Sairax said, Almunia's best season ever was in 07-08, when Jens was glaring at him from the substitute bench the entire season. And for those who are worried Jens might play, no worries because Almunia is on good form right now. And for those who are worried Jens might not play, no worries because Almunia's good form can go as quickly as a shot can go from Manuel's hands.
And, most importantly, I cannot wait for Mad Jens to let the likes of Denilson, Diaby, Rosicky, and Squillaci have it after any bad performance. CANNOT WAIT.The guestthe 2006 champions league final was my first real arsenal match...watching highlight of the final made me hate almunia even more since he should have stopped both of the goals...OrionHighAsFuckOur hopes of winning the league do not depend on which players step up, or how much can we bare the brunt of injuries, or how much we regroup after a horrible fortnight. It all depends on how many times we play in that yellow jersey. It's horrendous, and brings us bad luck. I hate it.SairaxRhubarb and custard isn't bad, but never go the full bananaZito_v2That comic at the end was hilariousMartinI think he was pretty bad his last season for us, and that was years ago, so I'd be pretty worried if we actually have to rely on him.

But if it's a choice between him and James Shea, then I guess Jens isn't that bad, and it would be nice to have the old boy around again.SairaxI'm just sitting back and enjoying the hilarity of it all.

Bild reporting that deal is done, but nothing official has come out yet. Keep ya posted.Fred Jacobi wonder who will be or number one for next seasontinomuvonga mWhat a strange turn of events. I wonder if he will actually play. There are only 10 games to go and I can't imagine Almunia will need to be rested during that time.blog comments powered by Disqus