Lehmann wary of Irish backlash

Jens Lehmann has warned his Germany team-mates not to expect an easy ride tomorrow against the Republic of Ireland.

New coach Joachim Loew's side start their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign with a Group D clash against the Republic in Stuttgart.

Fresh from finishing third in the World Cup on home soil, Germany are expected to brush aside Ireland's challenge.

But Arsenal goalkeeper Lehmann, Germany's undisputed number one goalkeeper in the wake of Oliver Kahn's retirement after the World Cup, insists Ireland pose a very distinct threat.

"I've looked at the Irish squad and I know they are all very good players," said the 36-year-old.

"We have to be aware of that and we need to respect them because most play in the Premier League.

"But we shouldn't focus on players like Robbie Keane and Damien Duff. They have other good players in John O'Shea and Shay Given.

"They are also all used to playing at a high pace and in a tough physical battle, so this will be anything but easy."

It remains to be seen whether Germany can maintain the momentum generated at the World Cup or of they come out flat.

Lehmann knows they cannot afford to look back, adding: "I would love for the euphoria to continue for a little longer.

"If we could keep it going that would be great, but we know the World Cup is over, and if we are to qualify for the European Championships then we have to work hard.

"If things don't go as well as expected, then maybe we will have to look and think again."

Lehmann feels Germany should rightly be proclaimed as favourites to top a group which also includes the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Wales, Cyprus and San Marino.

But Loew knows favouritism can count for nothing, particularly as Germany were far from convincing in their qualifying campaigns for Euro 2000 and Euro 2004.

Loew is also urging his players to put the World Cup behind them, insisting: "This is a new era.

"While the World Cup was fantastic, we have to draw a line under it now. It is a case of going back to square one.

"Yes, we played well at the World Cup, made a name for ourselves and presented ourselves positively, but we failed in reaching our ultimate goal which was to win it.

"So now we need a new source of motivation, to instil a new euphoria in our players, and not live on the old one.

"That said, I have every confidence in the team. They know full well what is at stake tomorrow, and for the remaining qualifying games."

Like Lehmann, Loew is also wary of a potential backlash from the Republic in the wake of the Dutch debacle.

"We know Ireland have problems," added Loew. "We watched the Dutch game and they came under fire from many quarters, so they will have to reassert themselves in this game.

"We know they will be ready to fight, be physical from the word go and defend with all their might."

Loew remains without first-choice defenders Christoph Metzelder, Per Mertesacker, Robert Huth and Jens Nowotny through injury. Hertha Berlin centre-back Arne Friedrich is available after shaking off a stomach bug.  PA