Kahn attacks Klinsmann over keeper debate
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-06-25 20:10
BERLIN, June 25 - Bayern Munich's Oliver Kahn has said Germany coach
Juergen Klinsmann still owed him an explanation for replacing him as
first-choice goalkeeper for the World Cup, though he did not expect to get one.
Germany's Oliver Kahn sits on the
bench with team mate Oliver Neuville (L) as they wait for the start of
their second round World Cup 2006 soccer match against Sweden in Munich
June 24, 2006. [Reuters] | Kahn told German
magazine Der Spiegel he would never accept Klinsmann's decision to replace him
with Arsenal's Jens Lehmann as the country's number one keeper, and said sitting
on the bench during the World Cup was "not pleasant".
"Normally, I'd have expected a thorough explanation (from Klinsmann)," he was
quoted as saying on Sunday. "But as there hasn't been one up until now, there
probably won't be one."
Television coverage of Germany's 2-0 second round victory over Sweden on
Saturday was punctuated with shots of a grim-faced Kahn watching the match from
the bench as elated German fans celebrated in the stands.
"Until recently, I was firmly convinced I would be playing (in the World
Cup)," he said. "Every walk to the bench has been tough. I watch the game, try
to form an impression of the action and then disappear into the changing room as
fast as possible."
Kahn said the only reason he had heard for why he was dropped was that
Lehmann was supposedly playing a "tick" better.
"I'm sorry, but do you the replace the one who's been the number one for
years when he's playing consistently because another keeper is supposed to be a
"tick" better? That's no justification for me," he said.
"I've been playing right at the top level for the past two years, I've done
well in my Champions league games, won the German league and German Cup twice,
and have immense tournament experience," Kahn told the magazine.
"There was actually no reason to change the number one."
Germany play Argentina for a place in the World Cup semi-finals in Berlin on
Friday.
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