Kahn praises Lehmann but stills feels frustration

By Barry Whelan Jun 28, 2006, 17:35 GMT

Germany\'s Oliver Kahn during the press conference in Berlin on Wednesday, 28 June 2006. The german national soccer team prepares the next match against Argentina on Friday, 30 June 2006 in Berlin. EPA-PHOTO EPA/OLIVER BERG/EPA lbn

Berlin - Goalkeeper Oliver Kahn Wednesday gave his rival Jens Lehmann top marks for his performances in the Germany goal at the World Cup but admitted he was frustrated at sitting on the substitutes' bench.

'The performance of Jens is absolutely faultless. He is very calm and assured,' said Kahn.

'It is important he gives the defence security which he does. We have played three games without conceding a goal and that speaks for itself.'

Kahn, 37, was the established number one keeper in the Germany side for many years, but lost his place to Arsenal's Lehmann shortly before the World Cup.

The Bayern Munich goalkeeper and former German team captain said in an interview this week coach Juergen Klinsmann had never given a proper explanation for why he had chosen Lehmann over him.

Kahn, appearing for the first time during the World Cup at the daily press conference held by the German Football Federation (DFB), admitted he was frustrated with his new role as number two.

'I am only human,' he said. 'Anyone who is happy at being on the bench should be sent home immediately. Of course you are frustrated at times, but I don't think I am someone who would show it or take it out an anyone, but have enough inner strength to overcome it positively.'

Kahn has sometimes cut a forlorn figure on the sidelines as Germany enjoy their success story with four wins out of four at the tournament. But he has been consistently praised by Klinsmann for his attitude in training and for the help he gives the team.

'It was a difficult situation but I have somehow accepted it and try to bring my experience to the team and to provide help where it is needed,' Kahn said.

The goalkeeper said he was even learning to enjoy aspects of his new role and the respect it brought him.

'It is something I have thought about a lot in the last weeks and months. This respect, which I had not felt before in this way in my career, is something very positive for me.

'I was always chasing after success, winning titles and being number one, and to realize that you can work with a team in a completely different way, one which also is a lot of fun, is a new experience for me which makes it easy for me to spend these weeks here.'

Kahn praised the 'special spirit' in the German team, saying he could feel 'a real tension building up' for the quarter-final match against Argentina on Friday.

Overall the top European goalkeepers had confirmed their status during the tournament, he added. The general standard was high with few mistakes although the ball was difficult for goalkeepers.

'I don't think there have ever been so many long-distance shots as at this World Cup, because the players know how difficult it is,' he said.