Joachim Löw, Germany coach and who will leave office after the European Championship this coming summer, said this Thursday that, after carrying out a process of reflection, he came to the conclusion that he did not see himself in the position in 2024 and that his replacement needed time to work with the team. In 2024 the Eurocup will be played in Germany. “This is the right time. The team needs space and time to develop, ”said Löw, 61, who has been a German coach since 2006.
In his first remarks since his decision to step down as coach after Euro 2021 was made public, Löw said on Thursday: “Fifteen years as a coach is a long time, especially in these times when everything changes so quickly in football. I am very grateful for the trust and support that I have had since 2006. With the DFB (German Football Federation) and with the people who have accompanied me on this path ”, said this Thursday Löw, in his first appearance since he he knew his decision.
“In difficult situations we were always there for each other. I am proud of the successes we have had and also of the defeats that have allowed me to learn new things ”, explained Löw, who said that he already began to reflect after the defeat against Spain 6-0 in the Nations League and decided to take stock in March.
“I have done it and I have come to the conclusion that after the summer and the European Championship it will be time to hand over the baton to another coach,” said Löw, who defended the renewal process that began in the national team after the World Cup in Russia 2018 and said that while many players lack experience, there is potential and perhaps some will reach their zenith right in 2024.
“I believe that this young generation may have its zenith in 2024 when there will be a tournament in Germany. That, as happened in 2006, can lead to an explosion. In 2024 I no longer see myself in this position and if a change of coach had to be made, this was the right time for me ”, explained Löw.
“In 2010 we were in a similar situation. We had a young team with little tournament experience and four years later they were at their zenith and we were world champions. In 2010 we had good games, against England and Argentina, and we were eliminated by Spain but you could see that something could come from that team, “added the still German coach.
The president of the German Football Association (DFB), Fritz Keller, thanked Löw for his contribution to the national team and gave himself time to look for a successor with some peace of mind. Neither Keller nor the head of selections at the DFB, Oliver Bierhoff, wanted to say anything about the candidates being considered to replace Löw.
“I am not going to comment on the possible candidates. If you want, you can continue speculating, ”Bierhoff told reporters.
The names that sound the most are, after Jürgen Klopp warned that he is not available for the position, those of Hansi Flick and Ralf Rangnick. The latter is free and has shown a willingness to take over the selection.