Frenchman eyeing duo’s services.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is searching for a new goalkeeping coach and is considering bringing former club legends David Seaman and Jens Lehman back to north London.
SOURCE: Daily Mirror
The dropping of Wojiech Szczesny for Arsenal’s last two matches – 2-0 victories at Bayern Munich and Swansea City – suggest the goalkeeper is no longer considered Arsenal’s number one but Wenger may stop short of replacing the Pole entirely this summer, according to the above source.
The Frenchman is reportedly considering bringing in a new goalkeeping coach, with club legends Jens Lehman and David Seaman in the frame. The source does not make clear if Wenger is keen to bring in just one – or both – of the former stars but claims the duo have been spotted around the club’s Colney training base in recent weeks and their presence will throw the future of the club’s current ‘keeper coach, Gerry Peyton, into doubt.
Wenger is also considering bringing in an experienced goalkeeper to help mentor Szczesny – and challenge for his first-team spot.
Interestingly, inspiration for the twin moves may come from Arsenal’s bitter north London rivals Tottenham. In November 2009, then Spurs boss Harry Redknapp sacked the club’s goalkeeping coach and appointed former player Tony Parks to help get the best our of the erratic Heurelho Gomes.
Parks worked wonders with the Brazilian and the following season Gomes had his best year in a Tottenham shirt, helping guide the club to fourth. Redknapp also brought in veteran Brad Friedel, who ultimately replaced the Brazilian.
Both Lehman and Seaman command a great deal of respect in north London and have the experience of winning trophies, something Szczesny would dearly love.
At 22, the Pole is still a baby in goalkeeping terms (just ask Friedel) and the signing of an experience veteran to challenge for his first team, rather than an out-and-out replacement, spot may be exactly what is needed to unlock the youngster’s obvious potential.
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