Germany boss Joachim Loew confirms he's stepping down after 15 years in charge

Soccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Germany Press Conference - Johan Cruijff Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands - March 23, 2019 Germany coach Joachim Loew during the press conference [REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw]

Germany have confirmed that Joachim Low will step down as head coach following this summer's European Championship.

Low has been in charge of Die Mannschaft since replacing Jurgen Klinsmann in 2006.

He led Germany to the final of Euro 2008 and World Cup success in 2014.

Low's contract had been due to expire in 2022, but has asked to be released from his contract following the re-scheduled Euros this summer.

"I take this step very consciously, full of pride and enormous gratitude, but at the same time continue to be very motivated when it comes to the upcoming European Championship tournament," declared Löw.

"Proud, because it is something very special and an honor for me to be involved in my country.

"And because I have been able to work with the best footballers in the country for almost 17 years and support them in their development.

"I have great triumphs with them and painful defeats, but above all many wonderful and magical moments - not just winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"I am and will remain grateful to the DFB, which has always provided me and the team with an ideal working environment."

Germany coach Joachim Loew [REUTERS/Francois Lenoir/File Photo]

Low, 61, has been a crucial part of the DFB's strategy since initially joining the national set up as an assistant to Klinsmann in 2004.

He added: "I still feel the unconditional will as well as great energy and ambition for the upcoming European Championship.

"I will do my best to make our fans happy and successful at this tournament. I also know that this applies to the entire team. "

Already speculation turns to who could replace Low as head coach, with Jurgen Klopp widely accepted to be the DFB's ideal candidate.

However, he has a contract at Liverpool until 2024, and while interested in being national team boss, has shown little inclination to leave Anfield early.

Bayern Munich chief Hansi Flick, previously assistant to Low, is another candidate, but similarly, would he leave the Allianz Arena?

Ralf Rangnick, now 62 and having left his role with Red Bull, is another candidate, as is Under-21 boss Stefan Kuntz - who famously scored against England in the semi-final of Euro '96.

DFB president Fritz Keller says the German Federation will act calmly in their search for a replacement.

"I have great respect for Joachim Löw's decision.The DFB knows what he has in Jogi, he is one of the greatest coaches in world football.

"Jogi Löw has had German football like no other for years. Not only because of his sporting achievements, but also because of his empathy and humanity.

"The fact that he informed us about his decision at an early stage is very decent.

"He gives us the DFB the necessary time, calmly and a sense of proportion to name his successor."

 

By Stephen Rutto 13 mins ago
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