Monday 12 September 2016 11:58, UK
The German Football Association are keen to extend head coach Joachim Low's contract beyond the 2018 World Cup, president Reinhard Grindel has confirmed.
Low, who has taken charge of 138 matches since his appointment in 2006, guided Germany to World Cup glory in 2014 and to a fifth consecutive major tournament semi-final at Euro 2016.
The 56-year-old, whose current deal expires after Russia 2018, was initially hesitant in committing his future to Germany after his side's exit to hosts France at Euro 2016, but eventually said he would stay on to defend the World Cup in 2018.
"I said before the Euros that I can imagine a long-term collaboration (with Low)," Grindel told Kicker magazine.
"I have a very good relationship with Low and if he wants to talk about his future then I am ready to do so any time."
Grindel said Low's success meant the coach could decide if and when he wanted to extend the deal.
"Out of respect for our World Cup coach this is something he can decide for himself," he added.
"If he wishes to do so only after the 2018 World Cup then I would tell him that this is the way we will do it. He has achieved so much and has earned that right."
Germany kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-0 victory over Norway on September 4 and currently sit top of Group C.
