Kahn is the Beast

Two costly errors in Bayern Munich’s 2-2 draw against bottom side Cologne on Saturday. Another mistake in Germany’s last friendly, a 4-1 win over the United States. — This is not the Kahn that we have known all these years.

Lehmann, not conceding a goal for 667 minutes in the recent Champions League. — This is threatening to Kahn’s ambition of guarding the net in the upcoming World Cup.

The misunderstood coach of Germany, Juergen Klinsmann, is being blamed by Bayern Munich commercial manager Uli Hoeness for Kahn’s slump in performance. He said that Klinsmann’s delay in deciding who among the two goalkeepers will be the main man for Germany is creating a ‘psychological terror’ on Oliver Kahn.

I would agree that it brings a lot of pressure especially when the confidence that was once bestowed on you has been divided among you and your previous number 2 guy — Lehmann. It’s even more draining to know that your bitter rival is having an excellent year. And add the World Cup, probably your last; to the equation and you have a troubled player.

On the other side, Klinsmann is just being fair to his country, Lehmann and Kahn on being able to choose the best goalkeeper to keep Germany’s hopes alive in World Cup 2006. May, is indeed too long based on the plans of the German coach to decide on who among the two goalkeepers to choose.

Kahn is definitely the favorite player because of his past performance and experience, but Lehmann’s rise and superb play is undeniable at this point.

If he chooses a troubled Kahn and starts to make mistakes in the competition then it would be a pain knowing that Lehmann has been prepared for the longest time prior to the competition. But if Lehmann plays and his inexperience in World Cup brings shame to the country then Kahn would have been the best choice.
In the end, I would choose Kahn. I agree the way he psychologically behaves right now is questionable for a player of that caliber, who is supposed to withstand pressure, especially if he is to carry an entire nation.

But looking at Kahn, Everybody knows that Kahn is an emotional player. See how he gets fired up in games? Choose him and you will see a beast destroying every opponent’s dream of the World Cup finals.

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