Former goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has urged teams, especially Arsenal and Manchester United, to bring back ’emotional rivalry.’ Recalling his time in the Premier League, the German claimed that embracing a United player was unthinkable back in the day, but it has now become common among both rival teams.
Lehmann said that earlier, coaches used to ask football players to entertain the fans. However, according to the former German custodian, the entertainment factor has lost its relevance these days, making modern-day football less engaging for the spectators. During his interview with Sporf, Lehmann said:
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“There are a lot of memories. What is different today is that nobody would’ve dared hug any United players before or after the game. We have been told we are entertainers who need to entertain the public. But today, when I’m in a stadium, I know no coach is telling their players to entertain the crowd.”
“Sometimes, football is getting boring – it’s too nice and slow. We need to get back to this emotional rivalry between teams,” he added.
Jens Lehmann played for the Gunners from 2003 to 2008 before returning for a brief stint in 2011, only to retire four months later.
He kept 80 clean sheets in 200 appearances for the North London club, while helping the side win their last Premier League title in the 2003-04 season. Lehmann also won the FA Cup and the Super Cup with the Gunners.
Arsenal and Manchester United interested in signing Bundesliga attacker: Reports
Manchester United and Arsenal are set to clash in the January transfer market to sign Borussia Dortmund forward Serhou Guirassy, according to OneFootball. The 29-year-old, who joined Dortmund from VfB Stuttgart for a reported fee of €18 million in July 2024, has garnered the attention of top European sides with his goal-scoring prowess and finishing skills.
Guirassy has bagged nine goals and four assists in 18 appearances across competitions for Die Schwarzgelben this season. Except for Dortmund’s clash against Manchester City, the centre-forward has either scored a goal or provided an assist in the other four UEFA Champions League games.
Last week, he scored a brace during the Bundesliga giants’ 4-0 win over Villarreal in the UCL. According to the aforementioned report, Guirassy has a €50 million release clause, which is likely to be triggered only by a major club.
For Arsenal, the 29-year-old would add depth in the attack with his clinical finishing. Meanwhile, Guirassy can bring experience to Manchester United’s front line, which currently features Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee.
Edited by Parag Jain
