Jens Lehmann hinted he will make room for arch-rival goalkeeper Oliver Kahn to play in Germany's third-place World Cup match against Portugal on Saturday.

The Arsenal goalkeeper had pipped the long-time number one in a hard-fought battle to start games just before the start of the tournament.

Lehmann was barely tested until the quarter-finals when he saved two crucial penalties in an epic shoot-out victory over Argentina.

And 72,000 fans in attendance - and millions on television - watched in awe as Kahn encouraged his bitter rival only seconds before the dramatic finish.

After Lehmann produced some great saves in Germany's 2-0 loss to Italy, he signalled his readiness to grant his 37-year-old rival a World Cup farewell.

"If we wants to play and the coaches have reached that decision then he has certainly deserved it," Lehmann told a press conference in Berlin.

"He has acted wonderfully during this World Cup, also showing a few very nice gestures. It would be a great finish for him."

The 36-year-old admitted it was up to the coaches, and Kahn, to decide.

"I would speak to him because one has to take into consideration the wishes of the players who have not played. I know what it is like - I would have been grateful for a chance to play myself (at the last tournaments)."

If he was in Kahn's place, Lehmann would definitely take up the offer.

"I would have played, but the circumstances were different for me because I have never played a World Cup before. He has, obviously. It is always good to play."

Lehmann has left the door open on a potential return for the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

"I will discuss my future with the coach," he said. "First of all, it remains to be seen whether he continues or not, which I understand is not entirely clear."

The former Dortmund and Schalke stopper would love to see Klinsmann continuing his innovative work which has prompted euphoria throughout Germany.

"The team would be very disappointed to see him leave because nobody knows what comes next. The players are thrilled about the new training methods. They were highly motivated.

"But then again you would have to accept that he has taken a lot of flak and needs to find the balance between his family life and the stress the job brings. But we, the players, want to follow this path with all the euphoria and offensive-minded philosophy."

And five-goal striker Miroslav Klose added.

"Every player hopes for Jurgen Klinsmann to continue. He plays an integral role."

Meanwhile, Lehmann, who has become a huge favourite of the fans in his home country, revealed he needs more time to get over the heartbreaking semi-final loss to Italy.

"My mood right now, two days after the match, is even worse than right after the final whistle because you have had time to realise what has happened," he said.

"After watching the semi-final between Portugal and Argentina you keep realising what it means to miss out on a final.

"It is very difficult and bitter, especially considering how things turned out in the end."