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Van Dijk Depay Wijnaldum
JOACHIM LOW shared the blame with Leroy Sane after Germany’s worst-ever defeat by Holland moved him closer to the sack.
The 2014 World Cup-winning coach was given a new two-year contract in May.
But the Germans suffered a shock group exit in Russia and have now failed to score in three consecutive matches for the first time ever.
The German media were merciless, labelling the performance against their long-time rivals “spineless” and “abysmal.”
Manchester City winger Sane, who was controversially left out of the World Cup squad, came on in the second half in Amsterdam only to miss a golden chance to equalise, one of 21 shots the Germans failed to convert.
“Leroy Sane and Julian Brandt were a breath of fresh air but they missed good chances, maybe because of their inexperience,” said Low. “They need time to develop.”
Now Low, who set a new record as the longest-serving Germany coach after taking charge of his 168th match, will see if he gets time to rebuild his side despite the grim stats piling up.
The 3-0 thrashing in Amsterdam means Germany have lost five times in a calendar year for the first time since 1985 when they were West Germany – and have won only three of their last 12.
The last goal Germany scored in a competitive match was Toni Kroos’s late winner against Sweden at the World Cup.
Now they are bottom of their Nations League group and face relegation before the return game with the World Cup winners in Paris tomorrow.
Low, who was given a vote of confidence in the summer, admitted his position is under pressure.
“Of course I have to expect that – it is something I have to live with,” he said. “When you have a performance like that, then everyone has to take responsibility – including me as coach.
“Breaking apart like that in the last 10 minutes is not good.”
Low, who took over in 2006, has come under fire for staying loyal for too long to veterans like Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels and Thomas Muller.
“We are still searching to set up a good balance between the experienced players and the young players,” he admitted.
Perhaps only Holland take more pleasure than England in beating the Germans. Virgil van Djik, Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum scored at the Johan Cruyff Arena for the best win of Ronald Koeman’s reign.
Koeman (above, with Low) said: “I really see a great future for Dutch football. Everyone needed this, the players, the staff and the whole of the Netherlands.”