Oliver Kahn has sprung to the defence of his former rival Jens Lehmann, calling for an end of the German goalkeeper debate in the final countdown to Euro 2008, the dpa reported.
"Nothing should be questioned ahead of Euro," Kahn told Saturday's edition of Munich's tz daily. "One should trust him to play the Euro at a top level. Germany should have faith in him."
Kahn said it is important for a goalkeeper to feel the trust of the team and the coaching staff ahead of a big event.
The debate heated up again after Lehmann did not play fully convincing in Germany's 2-2 with Belarus on Tuesday, one of two tuneup matches for the three-time champions ahead of the June 7-29 Euro event in Austria and Switzerland.
Lehmann also blundered earlier this year in a friendly in Austria and was mostly confined to the bench at his English club Arsenal.
Bayern Munich's Kahn and Lehmann are long-time goalkeeper rivals. Lehmann dethroned Kahn as number one ahead of the 2006 World Cup and held the position since. Kahn retired from the national team after that World Cup and from professional football a few days ago.
Lehmann was due to play later Saturday in Germany's last warm-up game with Serbia, and Kahn expects him to deliver there and at Euro.
"Jens has enough experience and is mentally strong. I am convinced that he will play a good European championship," said Kahn.