Jens Lehmann Criticises English Players’ Dependence On Coaches

By The Editor
on 17th June 2016

Arsenal ‘Invincible’ Jens Lehmann believes that one of the telling differences between English and German players is the reliance on their coaches during games.

Lehmann told BBC Radio 5 Live that on too many occasions, English players tend to glance over to the bench when the game isn’t going well, while players in Germany are expected to come up with a solution themselves.

“When an English player doesn’t know what to do or when he needs some help, he seeks help from his coach,” Lehmann explained.

“As a German player you would never do that, you have to sort it out yourself.”

Lehmann later explained that conversing with teammates to come up with an answer during the game would be the recommended course of action for a German player.

When analysing Lehmann’s theory further, could his notion explain why there are very few English managers competing at the top of the game?

Intelligent players often become top coaches, and the culture of dependence on coaches in England may hinder such progression for English players if Lehmann’s theory is to be believed.

Source: BBC Radio 5 Live