Joachim Löw to step down as Germany coach after the Euros
Joachim Löw will step back as Germany coach after the Euros.
| Joachim Löw. | Photo: GEPA Pictures/Roger Petzsche |
Löw's contract was due to expire in 2022, but will be terminated a year early after the 61-year-old asked the DFB for permission to end his tenure this summer.
"I am taking this step quite consciously, full of pride and with enormous gratitude, but at the same time still with an unbroken great motivation as far as the upcoming European Championship tournament is concerned," said Löw in a statement.
"I'm proud because it is something very special and an honor for me to be involved with my country in this way and because I was able to work with the country's best footballers for a total of almost 17 years and accompany them in their development.
"I share great triumphs and painful defeats with them, but above all many wonderful and magical moments - not just winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. I am and remain grateful to the DFB, which has always provided me and the team with an optimal working environment."
DFB president Fritz Keller commented:
"I have great respect for Joachim Löw's decision. The DFB knows what it has in 'Jogi'. He is one of the greatest coaches in world football. 'Jogi Löw' has shaped German football like no other over the years and helped it achieve the highest international standing, 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 highly decent. He is thus giving us as the DFB the time we need to appoint his successor with calmness and a sense of proportion."
Löw was appointed Germany coach in 2006 and led his country to the World Cup trophy in 2014. He has received a fair deal of criticism in recent years, especially following Germany's disappointing group-stage exit at the 2018 World Cup.