Jens Lehmann is putting club before country by backing Arsenal team-mate Thierry Henry to finish as the World Cup's leading scorer.

Germany's Miroslav Klose is currently leading the way with five goals, while strike partner Lukas Podolski has found the back of the net three times - just like Henry.

With just one match per side to be played - Germany in Saturday's third-place match and Henry's France in Sunday's final - Lehmann admitted he was "in some sort of conflict situation" about which man he wants to win the Golden Shoe.

"Now that is a tough one," he stated.

"If you have worked with a world-class striker like Thierry Henry on a daily basis for three years, you want him to win because I get a first-hand look at his class and professionalism each and every day.

"But it would also be fantastic for Miro. He is my team-mate now and I would be happy for him."

Lehmann believes the honour might come too early for Podolski.

"It would be nice for Poldi but he is so young that he can certainly get another shot later on," said Lehmann.

"If he wins it now, it might get into his head. He can accomplish it at a later stage of his career."

Lehmann vowed he needed some time to recharge his batteries after a long season which also saw him reaching the Champions League final with Arsenal.

The 36-year-old missed out on silverware on two fronts, after Barcelona edged the Gunners 2-1 in Paris and Italy grabbed two goals late in extra-time to eliminate Germany at the semi-final stage in the most cruel fashion.

"Right now I am utterly disappointed," said Lehmann.

"I got so close twice. I am still wondering why (it isn't meant to be) and I am looking still for an answer. I have yet to find one. It will take a while - if I ever find one."

The Arsenal goalkeeper, who is expected to make way for Oliver Kahn in the third-place match against Italy, has set the bar high for next season.

"As long as I play football there is hope that things will get better," he said.

"With Arsenal we have a good team once more and it will be our goal to reach the (Champions League) final again and win it."

Meanwhile, German FA (DFB) president Theo Zwanziger revealed he will give Jurgen Klinsmann enough time to consider a potential contract extension.

"I don't have to, but I want to wait," Zwanziger told sport1.de.

"It is not just my personal ambition but also the wish of the team and the fans (to keep him). I do not want to disappoint them.

"Jurgen Klinsmann needs to make up his mind and therefore he needs some time. It does not make any sense to call him every two hours.

"He is old and wise enough and knows that he bears a lot of responsibility for the team."