Stuttgart - Stuttgart goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has called for Markus Babbel to be given a chance as coach of the Bundesliga club even without the German football federation's coaching badge.

The former Germany international defender Babbel has led Stuttgart to wins in both matches since succeeding the sacked Armin Veh a fortnight ago. Babbel, who was an assistant to Veh, has initially been made interim coach.

On Saturday he comes up against Bayern Munich, one of his former clubs, in the last day of the Bundesliga season before the winter break.

Lehmann, 39, told Kicker sports magazine Monday he disagreed with football federation sports director Matthias Sammer who wants all coaches to be licensed following a training programme.

Babbel, 36, who won 51 caps for Germany and played in the Premier League for Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers, would have to begin an 11-month course next May.

Lehmann said: "One should be pleased that here is a man from a new generation, who has played in England in the top league in the world and can bring his experience to Germany.

"Whether someone has a certificate to show he is qualified is not what matters. He has to be given a chance."

The former Germany keeper, who played abroad at Arsenal and briefly at AC Milan, said he was also considering a coaching career when he retires as a player.

He said he often heard people say how important it was for coaches to spend part of their training getting extra experience by spending some time with clubs such as Real Madrid or Arsenal.

"I played five years at Arsenal, and for five years made notes. I learned so much from (manager) Arsene Wenger that I have to ask myself in regard to the training of coaches: can I learn more there (on a course)?"

Lehmann called on Sammer, a former team-mate at Borussia Dortmund, to be more flexible, saying that not all would-be coaches should be treated the same. (dpa)