Germany boss Joachim Low says Bundesliga performances are 'alarming'
Thursday 5 October 2017 11:39, UK
Germany manager Joachim Low has voiced his concerns at the quality of the Bundesliga.
All six German sides involved in Champions League and Europa League action last week were defeated, with Bayern Munich sacking Carlo Ancelotti in the wake of their 3-0 defeat away to Paris Saint-Germain.
Low - speaking ahead of Germany's World Cup European Qualifier against Northern Ireland, live on Sky Sports - has challenged the notion that the Bundesliga produces the best players in the world.
"The weak performances of German clubs in Europe is hopefully just a momentary blip but it is alarming," he said.
"It is too early to say whether it is a general trend. Bayern and Dortmund have every chance to progress in the Champions League and it is the same for the Europa League teams.
"But for a while now I, and my coaches, have been thinking about how to improve things in the Bundesliga and that it's wrong to praise the Bundesliga to the high heavens or say only the Bundesliga produces the best talent.
"That would be untrue and people who say this have been humbled by this recent experience. We have to recognise this.
"We scout football every day, in France, Argentina, Brazil and Chile. We know what happens in South America. In France, Spain and England they are overwhelmed with young players
"We know there is talent all around the world and the Bundesliga isn't the be-all and end-all."
Live WCQ
Former Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann has said retaining the World Cup they won in Brazil in 2014 will be their toughest challenge.
Low agreed with that assessment but refused to confirm Klinsmann's assertion he will step down as national boss after Russia 2018.
"On the first item I think he's right," added Low. "It will be the hardest task for us as reigning champions and Confederation Cup winners.
It's wrong to praise the Bundesliga to the high heavens or say only the Bundesliga produces the best talent. That would be untrue.
"It will be tremendously difficult to maintain the same level and enthusiasm in our players especially as other nations have caught up and have outstanding players in their ranks.
"As for the other point, retirement is far from my mind. I'm enjoying life as it stands and I have a contract running for some more years. But I can quite imagine taking over at a club at one point. I love being on the pitch with players and working with them."
Watch Northern Ireland v Germany on Thursday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports Football at 7:30pm.
