Timo Hildebrand has accepted that Jens Lehmann will be Germany's first-choice goalkeeper at Euro 2008.
Germany goalkeeper happy to play second fiddle to Lehmann
Timo Hildebrand has accepted that Jens Lehmann will be Germany's first-choice goalkeeper at Euro 2008.
The Valencia keeper will deputise for the suspended Lehmann when Germany take on Czech Republic in a Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday.
But Hildebrand does not believe he will get ahead of Lehmann in the pecking order regardless of what happens over the next few months.
"The goalkeeping hierarchy has been set and our coach has told us which roles we have to play," Hildebrand told the German press.
"We mustn't fight each other but work together for the good of the team.
"I'm not the type to make demands via the media. Of course we don't know what will happen if Jens doesn't get to play for Arsenal for some time, but everybody knows that no change is planned in goal ahead of the European Championships.
"Jens will retire from international football at some point and I reckon I will then get my chance to play in the national team."
Hildebrand's words will come as a relief to coach Joachim Low less than two years after the intense rivalry between Lehmann and Oliver Kahn disturbed Germany's preparation for the 2006 World Cup.
