Bernd Leno has admitted his disappointment at not being the first-choice option for Germany, though he concedes that has a lot to do with the strength of the alternatives.

Leno has been called up for Germany again over the international break, but he has Manuel Neuer and Marc-Andre ter Stegen for company in the squad. With only two fixtures to choose from, it doesn’t look likely Leno will get a chance to feature at this stage.

Speaking to the German media, the Arsenal goalkeeper admitted that isn’t easy for him, though he understands why it’s the case.

“It’s hard to sit on the bench, you have to be honest about that,” Leno said to Stuttgarter Zeitung/Nachrichten (via Sport1). “There is no other nation in the world with this power density in goal. You have to put yourself forward, constantly offer yourself in training and always work on yourself.

“I do not wish anyone any injury, never – but when Rene Adler injured before the 2010 World Cup, Manuel Neuer suddenly came on the move, and he has changed goalkeeping. It can go that fast sometimes.”

Leno has long had a rivalry with Barcelona goalkeeper ter Stegen over a spot in the national team. The two goalkeepers are both 27 years old, so that’s not likely to change soon. Leno insists it’s nothing personal though.

“Kindergarten is over, we do not have to be the best friends to work well together and have fun,” he said.

Leno has had a mixed start to the new season with Arsenal. He kept a clean sheet against Newcastle, before playing well in clashes with Burnley and Liverpool despite conceding four goals. Then he made a mistake in the North London derby, but also kept Arsenal in the game at times.

In general, Arsenal fans have been pleased with the efforts of the goalkeeper over his first year or so. The position is certainly no longer top of the list when it comes to areas of interest in the transfer market.

If that eventually translates into more appearances for Leno in the German national team, that would be a good thing for all involved.