Back for the big news

By: Anna | June 3rd, 2008

Apologies for not having updated in three weeks. To say it with the words of writer Terry Pratchett, “I aten’t dead,” I just happened to get stuck in a giant clutter of university work again, whose appearance coincided with the end of the Bundesliga season. I hope the worst is over now and I’ll be able to keep you updated with the most important news during the Euro and the summer break.

And news there are, indeed: Former Arsenal London and German National Team goalkeeper Jens Lehmann is going to play for the VfB Stuttgart next season. Both team manager Heldt and coach Veh are very happy with the transfer, Lehmann is looking forward to the next season and wants to contribute his part to a successful year.

As far as I know, his contract will run for one year.

What still isn’t clear is the future of his predecessor. Raphael Schäfer is free (and expected) to leave. Problem is, from Stuttgart’s side, the contract, which still lasts until 2011. From Schäfer’s side the problem is that he has the choice between sitting on Stuttgart’s tribune until his contract expires and…
Yes, that is the problem, there doesn’t seem to be an alternative now. No Bundesliga club is looking for a goalkeeper (at least not one who will actually play) and the return to the 1. FC Nürnberg (and the step into the second league) is just as inacceptable as the step abroad, since even keepers at their best shape have taken some disadvantages from going to another country (without mentioning any names, Timo Hildebrand).

Or, to quote Schäfer’s lawyer and advisor: “He can’t just quit his job. What else should he do now? Sell sausages in the stands?”

Category: transfer news

Tags: transfer news

« Farewell, Meise! | Home | Busy with the Euro and reconsidering youth politics »

Subscribe   The Offside RSS Feeds

Print

Share

Comments  

• Parker |  June 3rd, 2008 at 12:42 pm

  
  
  

  Welcome to resthome

  Posted from United States

  

• Juliet |  June 3rd, 2008 at 1:22 pm

  
  
  

  Glad Lehmann got that out of the way so he can concentrate on the Euros.

  Perhaps there’s a bright side for Schaefer that doesn’t involve hawking refreshments in the stands — it’s possible that Schaefer could stay and learn from Lehmann, and earn his place back after a year. Maybe not likely… but possible.

  Posted from United States

  

• Anna |  June 3rd, 2008 at 1:52 pm

  
  
  

  There might be a possibility, yes. Schäfer himself said he definitely wants to appear to training next season and also that he can learn a lot from Lehmann, but I’m afraid the fans wouldn’t accept him after another season (except if he does some excellent saves, perhaps).

  I really hope there will be some solution that’s good for everyone.

  Posted from Germany

  

• Jan |  June 3rd, 2008 at 1:54 pm

  
  
  

  I would have preferred if Lehmann had joined Dortmund in the winter. There would be no match practise discussion or anything going into the Euros and there would have been two great encounters with Oliver Kahn in the Bundesliga and Cup final. Too bad.

  But I’m still happy to see him back in the Bundesliga. With all due respect to Tim Wiese, but with Kahn out, we were in danger of seriously missing out on some mad goalkeeper gems.

  I think Lehmann, Schäfer and Ulreich make up a great goalkeeper trio. Maybe Schäfer can find his old Nuremberg form again, while Lehmann takes on all the pressure and media attention?

  Posted from United States

  

• Anna |  June 3rd, 2008 at 2:27 pm

  
  
  

  I’m not perfectly happy with it either.

  With all due respect to Tim Wiese, but with Kahn out, we were in danger of seriously missing out on some mad goalkeeper gems.
  That’s definitely something to look forward to. I’ve thought about it and the idea that finally Mad Jens will be able to teach Meira some respect and remind him of what his job is, does entertain me a lot. So that’s something I’m looking forward to.

  Maybe Schäfer can find his old Nuremberg form again, while Lehmann takes on all the pressure and media attention?
  That’s a hope. And maybe he’ll get a chance to prove himself in a few matches and finally win the fans over, too. Lehmann only signed for one year, next summer Ulreich will only be twenty-one. That’s actually not an age for a goalkeeper (or at least it wasn’t until René Adler). Or maybe Schäfer will find another club where he’ll be more welcome.

  Posted from Germany

  

• Chris |  June 3rd, 2008 at 7:28 pm

  
  
  

  I didn’t think it would actually happen…but I am happy that he’s coming. When he actually concentrates and finds the right circumstances around him, he’s a brilliant goalkeeper.

  Posted from United Kingdom

  

• diana |  June 4th, 2008 at 8:36 am

  
  
  

  ‘without mentioning any names, Timo Hildebrand’
  You just did, Anna. Anyhow, welcome back. And yes, Lehmann’s contract will run for a year.

  ‘With all due respect to Tim Wiese, but with Kahn out, we were in danger of seriously missing out on some mad goalkeeper gems.’
  Oh yeah. Now that Mad Jens is back in the Bundesliga, at least he has one less thing to worry about ahead of the Euros.

  Posted from Singapore

  

• Luke |  June 4th, 2008 at 9:20 pm

  
  
  

  This is a great move, and gives Stuttgart added credibility in the back immediately. With this move alone, I think Stuttgart could expect to match Hamburg’s Intertoto and UEFA Cup run of this season. I think though, they need to find a way to get Schäfer on an ICE out of there as fast as humanly possible. That soap opera needs to be over. In addition, you might get 2 seasons out of Lehmann if he wants to be around–Ulreich can start taking the reins in the 2nd season and I think that could be accomplished somewhat seamlessly.

  Posted from United States

  

Comments are closed