Here’s the Loew-down
Jogi leading champions Germany’s title defence
Joachim Loew led Germany to the World Cup title in Brazil four years ago and his side are hotly tipped to successfully defend the crown in Russia. He’s been displaying his ruthless side – dropping Leroy Sane, and Mario Goetze from the squad despite his World Cup-winning goal four years ago. After almost 12 years in charge, Loew has a good idea of what his squad need. He is a champion. Just don’t look him up on YouTube.
BERLIN: Public personal hygiene mishaps, speeding fines, old-fashioned jumpers, a 1970s hairstyle, and cheesy commercials for men’s beauty products – Germans are happy to overlook certain things about Joachim Loew.
Because Jogi, as he is affectionately known, is a champion.
He led Germany to the World Cup title in Brazil four years ago and his side are hotly tipped to successfully defend the crown in Russia.
Just don’t type his name in YouTube.
Loew will be doing his best not to be caught on global TV picking his nose again, or putting his hands down the front and back of his pants as he did at Euro 2016.
Lately, he’s been displaying his ruthless side, cutting the promising Leroy Sane – the English Premier League Young Player of the Year – from his final squad.
Loew earlier decided also not to include Mario Goetze in his preliminary squad despite his World Cupwinning goal four years ago.
After almost 12 years in charge, Loew has a good idea of what his squad need.
Promoted to head coach after the 2006 World Cup, the former assistant has overseen steady progress marked by semi-final appearances or better in major tournaments.
It’s a high-pressure job. Loew, who smokes, likes to relax with a glass of red wine or to blow off steam by driving fast.
Loew lost his driving license for six months before the last World Cup. It was his second offense.
Since his 30-year marriage to Daniela Loew ended after Euro 2016, he has managed to keep his private life to himself as he’s shared time between Freiburg and Berlin.
He’s trying to accomplish leading the first team to consecutive World Cup triumphs since Brazil in 1962.
To do that, the 58-year-old Loew is relying on tried and trusted methods.
Loew, an admirer of the Barcelona style of possession-based football, wants his teams to burst forward and combine quickly to create room for attacks.
He builds from the back. Loew has given goalkeeper Manuel Neuer every chance to prove his fitness after he missed most of the season with a foot injury.
Neuer will be shielded by Bayern Munich clubmates Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng, with wing backs Joshua Kimmich and Jonas Hector stealing up and down the sides to provide more weapons in attack.
Loew generally stays cool on the sideline, trusting his players will execute extensive briefings.
The depth of his planning is often revealed in post-match interviews when he can speak concisely and at length about tactical systems.
Loew doesn’t tolerate egos or attention-seekers.
“We’re not all best friends,” defender Antonio Ruediger told
Kicker magazine.
“But we’re a team on the pitch. That’s the only thing that’s important.”
Since Germany wrapped up qualification with 10 wins from 10 games, their preparations for Russia have not been convincing.
Draws with England, France, and Spain have been followed by defeats to Brazil – which ended the side’s 22-game unbeaten run – and Austria.
“If we play like this we haven’t a chance in Russia,” Loew said after losing to Austria on Saturday.
“There’s a lot to be done. But we won’t drive ourselves crazy and we’re staying calm.”
Another friendly against Saudi Arabia awaits tomorrow.
Germany’s title defence begins against Mexico on June 17.
Loew promised: “We’ll be in very good condition before the game against Mexico.”