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Oliver Kahn has leaped to the defence of Michael Rensing after the Bayern Munich goalkeeper let in five against Werder Bremen at the weekend.

Bayern crashed to a 5-2 defeat - their worst home reverse in the Bundesliga in almost 30 years - with Rensing blamed for at least two of the Bremen goals.

But former Bayern shot stopper Kahn believes the 24-year-old - who had never been on the losing side in his professional career before Saturday's drubbing - will bounce back from the set-back.

"I have always said that when you want to build young players, then you have got to expect the odd stumble along the way, and that is why it would be fatal to question Rensing now," said the now retired 39-year-old in the Bild newspaper.

"The example of Iker Casillas comes to mind. He came into the Real Madrid team as a youngster and people doubted him, but Madrid stood by him and now he is European champion and one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

"A goalkeeper needs faith more than anybody else, given their relatively lonesome position."

Kahn called time on his playing career at the end of last season with Rensing taking his place in the Bayern starting line-up, and despite 60 percent of respondents in a poll conducted by Bild calling for him to reverse his decision - the former Germany international has no intention of coming out of retirement.

"That does not help at all - my career is over," he said.

"There is no turning back. Something new is beginning at FC Bayern and they need faith and time.

"You cannot make the mistake of thinking that Rensing will immediately reach the level I was at during the best spells of my career.

"He is young and will do things his way."

Mike Hytner / Eurosport