The future of German national coach Joachim Loew remains uncertain despite substantial changes made in the Nations League clash against 2018 World Champion France (2-1).


Germany's misery continues. (Photo: Reuters)

|  

Fans and media reacted in a combination of pros and cons after the 2014 World Champion lost its sixth international in 2018 setting a negative record in the 110-year history of the German association.

Doubts remain after Loew choose new faces for his starting eleven appointing Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Manchester City), Thilo Kehrer (Paris St Germain), Timo Werner (RB Leipzig) and Nico Schulz (TSG Hoffenheim) aside of youngsters such as Joshua Kimmich and Niklas Suele (both Bayern Munich).

On top, the German coach initiated a tactical change using a back row of three with Matthias Ginter (Borussia Moenchengladbach) and Schulz supporting the forwarding game from midfield and helping out in the defense.

58-year-old Loew might have addressed demands to rejuvenate the German team but needs to continue doing so several leading media demanded. Loew would be well advised to count on the inspiring front line made of Sane, Gnabry and Werner.

Papers concluded the first important step has been made but is most likely coming too late to secure Germany's place in Group A of the newly formed competition. With only one point after three games, Germany is in danger to be relegated to Group B.

To avoid demotion Germany depends on the help of the French. France would have to beat the Netherlands, and Germany needs to add a victory over the Dutch side shortly after to secure the second place.

The coaches' future depends on his future actions as it is said to be inevitable to rejuvenate the teams' performers continuously.

The Berlin-based Tagesspiegel said: "The step made was the right one, but the future depends on the fact if Loew is taking the relaunch seriously and continues."

The Frankfurter Allgemeine called the "best performance in 2018" a "light at the end of the tunnel" adding Loew went from one extreme to the other in a disastrous year.

The Sueddeutsche commented that Loew finally but pretty late showed the will to implement necessary reforms.

Loew is accused to have been waiting too long with changing the team's face. "Why has it taken so long?" the FAZ commented.

Mistrust seems still alive after Loew disappointed expectations regarding a new start at the World Cup in Russia as he made a step back returned to appoint over-aged players in the side's decisive group match against the Republic of Korea (2-0).

Despite remaining critics, Loew claimed to take the re-launch severe and continue but emphasised to still count on experienced forces such as Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng and Thomas Mueller (all Bayern Munich) on his way to qualify for the 2020 European Championships.

Loew emphasised that young players did a great job but still lack experience and couldn't help the team to increase effectiveness in front of the goal. Germany's only goal was achieved by Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos with a penalty.

The last Nations League game against the Netherlands in November is said to decide about Loew's future. Two-thirds of the German fans in several surveys claimed to be optimistic due to many talents on the pitch but still doubtful about Loew.

Loew praised his team's performance in Paris as "excellent" and said the Nations League is not the most important task for him. "We fully focus on qualifying for the 2020 Euro. It is our job, to secure Germany's place for that tournament," he commented.

 

                  Source: NDO

Related Topics


Vibrant sports activities mark spring festival in Hoa Binh

In the early days of the Year of the Snake, Hoa Binh province is filled with a lively and joyful atmosphere as various sports exchange and competition activities take place. These events have become a cherished tradition among local ethnic communities, strengthening their solidarity and fostering their close bonds. They contribute to the robust development of grassroots sports movements, enhancing the cultural and spiritual life of the people.

The 1st expanded Hoa Binh provincial Health sector Pickleball tournament

The Hoa Binh provincial Health sector trade union organized the 1st expanded Hoa Binh provincial Health sector Pickleball tournament in 2025.

Hoa Binh City crossbow shooting, tug of war, and stick pushing tournament

At the Hoa Binh provincial sports arena, the Organizing Committee of the 8th Hoa Binh City Sports Festival 2025 held youth and championship crossbow shooting, tug of war, and stick pushing tournaments.


The Sports Competition of the Cluster of Judicial Departments and Civil Judgment

Enforcement Departments of 7 Provinces in the Northeastern and Mountainous Regions On February 19th, at the Hoa Binh Province Sports Hall, the Cluster of Judicial Departments and Civil Judgment Enforcement Departments of 7 provinces in the Northeastern and Mountainous regions, including Hoa Binh, Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, Bac Kan, Yen Bai, Bac Giang and Phu Tho organized a friendly sports competition. A total of 52 athletes from the provinces in the cluster participated in the competition.

Hoa Binh FC draws with Long An FC at home stadium

At 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 16th, at Hoa Binh Provincial Stadium, Hoa Binh Football Club (Hoa Binh FC) played against Long An Football Club (Long An FC) in round 9 of the National First Division Football Tournament - Bia Sao Vang, 2024 - 2025. The dramatic match ended in a 0-0 draw when no goals were scored.

Hoa Binh FC draws with Long An FC at home stadium

At 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 16th, at Hoa Binh Provincial Stadium, Hoa Binh Football Club (Hoa Binh FC) played against Long An Football Club (Long An FC) in round 9 of the National First Division Football Tournament - Bia Sao Vang, 2024 - 2025. The dramatic match ended in a 0-0 draw when no goals were scored.