Germany players pose for the pre match photograph. Photo: Reuters
BERLIN: Germany coach Joachim Loew is staying on despite the team’s shock first-round World Cup exit.
The German football federation (DFB) announced on Tuesday it was informed by Loew that he wished to remain and “rebuild the team.”
In turn, the DFB promised him support, and he was “trusted to draw the right conclusions from the World Cup exit.”
The decision comes five days after Germany, the defending champion, finished bottom of its group after loses to Mexico and South Korea.
“We had a very open and honest exchange in which we spoke about a lot of points. We are all convinced that in Loew we have a national coach who will analyze very precisely, take the right steps and lead our team back on the path of success,” DFB president Reinhard Grindel said.
Loew has been in charge since taking over after the 2006 World Cup, where he was assistant to predecessor Jurgen Klinsmann.
He had his contract extended by the DFB in May through the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“It was important for me after a few days of reflection to personally get in touch with the DFB leadership. My disappointment is still huge. But now I want to lead the rebuilding with full commitment,” Loew said.
“It all takes time, but everything will happen in time for the start of the new international season in September.”
Germany next plays France in UEFA’s new Nations League on Sept. 6, followed by a friendly against Peru three days later.
Germany’s lackluster performance in the World Cup in Russia came after an uninspired buildup with just one win over Saudi Arabia in six games since it wrapped up qualification with a perfect 10 wins from 10 games. Brazil ended the side’s 22-game unbeaten run in March.
“The last convincing game was in autumn 2017,” defender Mats Hummels said after the 2-0 loss to South Korea.
Under Loew, Germany won the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 and reached the semifinals or better in every major tournament – until this World Cup.
Source: Sports
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