Arsenal coach Jens Lehmann hopes new Emirates Stadium role will help him into management

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Jens Lehmann has admitted he is using his new position as a coach at Arsenal as a springboard into management.

Lehmann has returned to the Gunners after being named in Arsene Wenger's backroom staff for the coming season. 

The former Germany international says he is ready to learn at the Emirates Stadium, but also has half an eye on his future plans. 

Jens Lehmann is using his new coaching role at Arsenal as a springboard into management

Lehmann told Bild: 'Yes, that's the point, the goal is to work somewhere independently.

'I spoke to Wenger. There were then two more talks, in which I told him what I can contribute.

'I am the only new guy in the coaching staff, so I will listen a lot and keep my eyes open. My place will also be more up on the stands than down on the bench, I suppose. I hope to contribute positively with this.'

Lehmann has returned to the Gunners after being named in Arsene Wenger's backroom staff

Lehmann is already a hero at Arsenal, having been No 1 for the unbeaten Invincibles in the 2003-04 Premier League season. 

He also won the FA Cup as a player with the Gunners, and was crucial in helping them reach the 2006 Champions League final.

But he was sent off in the showpiece game in Paris, as Arsenal went on to lose the game 2-1 to Barcelona.

His new aim at Arsenal is to return them to the Champions League, after they missed out for 2017-18 by finishing fifth in the league last season.

Lehmann is a former Arsenal player and was the No 1 in their 2003-04 'Invincibles' season