Jens Lehmann, the former goalkeeper for Germany and Arsenal, has issued a caution to Arsenal’s current shot-stopper, David Raya, urging him to steer clear of a red card in the upcoming Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. The match is scheduled for Saturday.
Lehmann’s own experience in the 2006 final ended in disappointment when he was sent off, leading to Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to Barcelona. Despite Sol Campbell’s early goal putting the Gunners ahead, late strikes from Samuel Eto’o and Juliano Belletti secured the trophy for the Spanish side.
Raya is expected to be between the posts for Mikel Arteta’s squad as they aim to clinch their first-ever Champions League title. During a recent conversation, Lehmann shared a lighthearted yet serious message with the Spaniard: “Do us a favour and play the full 90 minutes without being sent off! If you win, you’ll give the fans something we couldn’t deliver. I fell short because of my dismissal.”
This advice underscores Lehmann’s lingering regret and his hope that Raya can avoid a similar fate, helping Arsenal achieve glory that has eluded them for decades.