Jens Lehmann: 'I'm close to taking a coaching role'

Former Germany and Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has confirmed that he is close to taking a role as a coach.

The 44-year-old has been repeatedly linked with a role in the national team alongside head coach Joachim Low, but he has suggested that he will be working in club football, with a return to England a possibility.

"It may very well be that I'm from the summer closer to the football," Lehmann told Bild. "Probably in a club. It does not have to be Germany, in England may also be a possibility, but as a coach.

"In Germany, people see me more as a sports director. That will be decided in the next six to eight weeks."

Lehmann retired in 2011 after a second spell with the Gunners.