Low planning on six months off after Euro 2020

2021-05-30 02:35:18 GMT2021-05-30 10:35:18(Beijing Time) Xinhua English

By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Departing Germany head coach Joachim Low has ended rumors about a possible club engagement directly after the delayed Euro 2020 tournament this summer.

"I didn't change my mind," the 61-year-old said. "I won't take over a club right away. I need a break to achieve an emotional distance. I have been around with the association for 17 years," Low said ahead of his 8th major tournament on the German bench.

The 2014 World Cup winning-coach said he hasn't been in contact with clubs despite rumors talking about interest of Real Madrid or Barcelona.

"I am full of optimism for my last tournament for Germany and don't feel any melancholy or regrets. My decision has been made carefully, and I am at peace with myself," Low said in the German's pre-tournament training camp in Austria.

Low spoke about a break of at least six months before considering taking over a club.

The German coach renewed his previous statement saying he intends to continue his coaching career after leaving the national team, but said that at present, he is entirely focused on his last job for Germany.

The former striker said returnees Mats Hummels and Thomas Muller would play a leading role after being excluded by him in March 2019.

"When they arrived for our training camp, it felt like they had never been away. Both know about my expectations, and both are leaders in their clubs," he added.

Both returnees can expect to lead the starting eleven in Germany's Euro 2020 opener against France on June 15. "They haven't been guaranteed to play, but we all know how much they can help our team with their experience," he said.

Low spoke about his intention to stabilize his squad's defense. He called Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger a vital force after his significant upswing in the Blues shirt in the Premier League since coach Thomas Tuchel took over.

Low spoke about a solid defense as a key factor for success and admitted problems in his back row over the past months.

The German coach said he aims for the highest success despite a tough group containing France, Portugal and Hungary.

He spoke about a healthy team spirit taking Germany to win the World Cup seven years ago. "We know how important it is to act as a team, on and off the pitch."

Low is hoping to welcome his "problem cases such as Toni Kroos (Real Madrid, COVID-19 infection) and Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich, injury) soon. While Kroos is waiting for a negative test result in Madrid, Goretzka is expected to join the squad next Tuesday for recovery training.

Low said he hopes a solution can be achieved for Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City), Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Rudiger (all Chelsea). The quartet possibly face two weeks of quarantine due to German travel restrictions from the UK after the Champions League final.

The quartet won't be around for Germany's first friendly against Denmark on June 2 but are expected to return against Latvia on June 7.

Low spoke about a significant drop in quality for the German team without them. "There is no plan B; I just hope team director Oliver Bierhoff can create a satisfying solution with the authorities." Enditem

| PRINT | RSS