Jens Lehmann slams Roberto Mancini’s side: ‘Manchester City plays very, very boring football and make its opponents fall asleep’

The German goalkeeper also criticized the fans at the Etihad stadium, suggesting there was no atmosphere, and is glad to see the Citizens out of the Champions League

Dec 8, 2011 1:56:00 PM

By Jake Watson

More On :  Bayern, Manchester City, Jens Lehmann
EPL: Jens Lehmann , Manchester City - Arsenal (PA)

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has criticized Manchester City, saying that the Champions League is better off without the Premier League leaders.

Lehmann worked as a pundit for German television during City’s clash with Bayern Munich on Wednesday, and was far from complimentary of the style of Roberto Mancini's team, who ran out comfortable 2-0 winners.

"Man City play very, very boring football," Lehmann told Sky. "They just make their opponents fall asleep with lots of possession. But to be honest, that is not tactically very demanding. The way they play here is the way any amateur team plays, only not on such good grass.

"They just pack men behind the ball, have five against two and just move the ball around. The goal then just comes from a fortunate circumstance."

The ex-Gunner also launched an attack on the crowd at the Etihad Stadium, suggesting there was little atmosphere at Eastlands.

"There was no life in the stadium," he said. "It was dead. The fans are so quiet. You have got to say, though, that they have not got anything really to get excited about here. They had possession all of the time, albeit in their own half where nothing was happening.

"It is a shame because it is not typical English football. Napoli have heart and passion and I liked them. It is good that they have gone through. We don't want to see Manchester City in the Champions League."

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