Low - I could have quit

Germany coach admits considering resigning

Last updated: 22nd June 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Low - I could have quit

Low: Considered quitting

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Germany coach Joachim Low considered resigning after his side lost to Croatia in the group stages of Euro 2008.

Low's side saw their future in the balance following a 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their second game in Group B, but they reached the quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Austria.

Germany have since gone on to defeat Portugal to set up a semi-final meeting with Turkey, but Low admits he would have considered quitting had his pre-tournament favourites failed to progress beyond the group stages.

"Obviously I had these thoughts," Low told Welt am Sonntag when asked about resigning.

Optimism

"But I tried to turn them into positives and don't let these thoughts get me down. I try and give the team an air of optimism."

But for all his buoyancy, had Germany lost to Austria in their final group game, Low confesses his future would have been bleak.

"We would have had to sit down and considered how the atmosphere was and if it was worth continuing," said Low.

"I cannot say what would have happened. Probably a lot would have collapsed around us."

Turkey showdown

But with the showdown with Turkey in Basel on Wednesday fast approaching, Low is now concentrating on the clash at St Jakob-Park.

"After winning two or three games, the euphoria is huge and they (Turkey) are extremely convinced in their ability," Low added.

"They have been an uncomfortable opponent throughout this tournament and have some technically strong players.

"Turkey have a remarkable mentality, are self-confident and can always strike back."