Jens Lehmann believes his experience can be of benefit to Arsenal's youngsters during the title run-in.
German happy to be back
Jens Lehmann believes his experience can be of benefit to Arsenal's youngsters during the title run-in.
With goalkeepers at the Emirates succumbing one by one to injury, manager Arsene Wenger was forced into calling up the German on a short-term monthly rolling contract.
The experienced keeper will provide cover for Manuel Almunia during his time at the club, and is expected to feature on the bench for Saturday's visit to West Brom.
Not to be content with a return as a player for the title chasers, Lehmann believes he can offer his team-mates a wealth of experience that could prove useful as the race for the Premier League hots up.
"I have got that - in terms of experience, I am still good, so I need to give that onto the young lads," Lehmann told the club's
official site.
"I hope we will be successful in getting the trophy, to give that extra bit of conviction to the players - that is why I am here and why the boss has asked me to come."
Surprise
Lehmann had been set to join up with Arsenal's reserves before his call-up, and was working at Camp Nou as a pundit on the night Wojciech Szczesny injured a finger against Barcelona.
Seeing the Arsenal keeper leave the field, the man who played in all 38 games in the team's 'Invincibles' season had no idea it would lead to a call from his former employers.
"When Szczesny went out, I crossed my fingers for Manuel to do well, and he had a great game, but it never occurred to me that there was a lack of goalkeepers which could end with a request for me," Lehmann added.
"I got a text when I got back from Barcelona, it was (goalkeeper coach) Gerry Peyton and at first I did not recognise it because I was very tired, then on the second text I realised he wanted me to get my gloves out again.
"Later Arsene Wenger called me to ask if I was available, and I said 'let me talk to my wife' - now I am here.
"I am happy about it, for an exciting finish of my career and I will try to get the best out of it."
