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Joachim Low stays on as Germany boss ahead of World Cup defence

By Andrew Dickson

Tuesday 12 July 2016 16:27, UK

Germany coach Joachim Low
Image: Joachim Low has decided to see out his contract as Germany's head coach and will stay on until 2018

Joachim Low has decided to remain as Germany's head coach following their semi-final exit from the European Championship to hosts France.

The 56-year-old spoke with DFB president Reinhard Grindel on Tuesday morning by phone to inform him he will see out the remainder of his contract.

That means Low will stay in charge of the world champions for their anticipated defence of the World Cup in Russia in 2018.

Germany were knocked out after losing 2-0 to the French having been unbeaten in previous games against Ukraine, Poland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia and Italy.

Low said: "Of course we were all disappointed after losing in the semi-finals. The weeks leading up to and during the Euros took up a lot of energy.

"Getting away from it all for a few days is important. What is clear to me is that, despite our disappointment, the team didn't disappoint.

Antoine Griezmann of France scores his team's second goal during the UEFA EURO semi final match between Germany and France
Image: Low's German side were knocked out of Euro 2016 at the semi-final stage by host nation France

"We had the youngest team at the tournament and I still see huge potential. I am confident that they will still provide us with plenty of joy.

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"I'm just as excited as ever to carry on working with these players and continue developing them with the 2018 World Cup in Russia in mind."

Low has been in charge of Germany for exactly 10 years, having been appointed on July 12, 2006 following their third-place finish at the World Cup they hosted that year.

Low led Germany to their first World Cup as a unified nation in Brazil in 2014
Image: Low led Germany to their first World Cup as a unified nation in Brazil in 2014

Having previously worked as Jurgen Klinsmann's assistant for two years, his biggest coaching job previously had been as Stuttgart's manager between 1996 and 1998.

Germany will now prepare for the qualifiers with a friendly with Finland on August 31 before their opening preliminary game against Norway four days later.

Grindel added: "It was a question of respect in regard to giving the head coach a few days to himself after such an intensive tournament so he could analyse what happened in peace.

Joachim Low says Germany will now face tougher sides in the latter stages of the competition
Image: Low says he remains just as excited about taking his young German team into the World Cup qualifiers

"However, we never doubted that he would be determined to continue his journey and work towards our main goal of defending the World Cup in 2018.

"I stand by what I said before and during the tournament: Jogi Löw is the best coach for this team.

"He has our unconditional faith and we are confident that we can continue to play successful football in the future with him at the helm."

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