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July 4, 2018

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Germany sticks with coach Loew

Germany coach Joachim Loew is staying on despite the team鈥檚 shock first-round World Cup exit.

The German football federation, DFB, announced yesterday it was informed by Loew that he wished to remain and 鈥渞ebuild the team鈥.

In turn, the DFB promised him support, and he was 鈥渢rusted to draw the right conclusions from the World Cup exit鈥.

The decision comes five days after defending champion Germany finished bottom of its group after losses to Mexico and South Korea.

鈥淲e 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,鈥 DFB president Reinhard Grindel said.

Loew has been in charge since taking over after the 2006 World Cup, where he was assistant to predecessor Juergen Klinsmann. He had his contract extended by the DFB in May through the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

鈥淚t 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,鈥 Loew said.

鈥淚t all takes time, but everything will happen in time for the start of the new international season in September.鈥

Senior players in the Germany team, including midfielders Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller, have given Loew their backing, yet could all face the ax after poor displays.

Germany next plays France in UEFA鈥檚 new Nations League on September 6, followed by a friendly against Peru three days later.

Germany鈥檚 lackluster performance at 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鈥檚 22-game unbeaten run in March.

鈥淭he last convincing game was in autumn 2017,鈥 defender Mats Hummels said after the 0-2 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 鈥 until this World Cup.


 

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