Friday, July 7 2006 16:04 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Berlin: Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann admits he will wait to see whether manager Jurgen Klinsmann stays on in the job before deciding whether to carry on in the national team until Euro 2008.

Arsenal goalkeeper Lehmann shone for the hosts in his first ever World Cup but was helpless as Italy scored two extra-time goals to dump Germany out at the semi-final stage.

At 36 Lehmann is near the end of his career and admits his future hinges on that of coach Klinsmann who picked him in goal ahead of veteran custodian Oliver Kahn.

"I will think about my personal situation after the finals and certainly chat with Jurgen Klinsmann about it," Lehmann said at Thursday's press conference.

"Like all the other players I hope he stays as everybody wants to continue his work.If Jurgen decides that he does not want to continue the disappointment would be enormous as we do not know what is coming next," he said.

Lehmann looked despondent in the press conference and admitted he was finding the Italy defeat hard to stomach, particularly after losing the Champions League final with Arsenal prior to the finals.

"I feel worse than I did after the game as I have had time to reflect on it," Lehmann said.

"As a player it is difficult to stomach missing out on the final," he said.

"The disappointment of going so close to winning two major trophies this season will stay with me for a long time," he saiod.

"I ask myself why but I can not find the answer at the moment," he said.

Lehmann may have to make way for Kahn in Saturday's third-place play-off match with Portugal in Stuttgart but said he would have no qualms about doing so.



"If Oliver wants to play this match then he has earned it. He has been the model professional and worked hard in training," said the former Borussia Dortmund man.

Former captain Kahn, capped 85 times, is expected to start in goal against Portugal in what is likely to be his farewell to international football.

The 37-year-old Kahn was dislodged as number one by Lehmann prior to the tournament after eight years as first choice.