The Germany boss is closing in on a new deal but is wary that only results can guarantee him security in the role
Joachim Low has suggested that he is close to signing a contract extension that will see him continue on as Germany coach past the 2014 World Cup.Die Mannschaft booked their place in Brazil after a 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland on Friday, and despite his current deal expiring after next summer's tournament, Low expects to pen a new agreement when he meets with German Football Association (DFB) officials before the end of the month.
“I will have a conversation again in the coming weeks with DFB President Wolfgang Niersbach and General Secretary Helmut Sandrock. said Low to Bild. "It may be that we have agreed [to a new contract] on October 24."
While the security of a new contract may be in the offing, Low is aware that he cannot rest on his laurels and that his longevity in the role is still down to results, pointing to the fate of Bert van Marwijk to emphasise his point.
Van Marwijk led Netherlands to Euro 2012 with an impressive qualifying record, but after losing all three group matches in Poland and Ukraine, he was forced to leave his post, and Low is aware that a similar performance from Germany in Brazil would have to result in a change of personnel.
“When you are knocked out as Holland were at the last European Championship, going home after the first round without winning, then we probably are all aware of the fact that there will have to be a change – from both my side and the officials side, as we are not naive,” he explained to the Cologne Sunday Express.
Low also hinted that there could be call-ups for Borussia Dortmund pair Roman Weidenfeller and Kevin Grosskreutz in time for Germany's friendly against Italy in Milan next month.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper has never been capped for the senior national team, while Grosskreutz has not been called up since 2011, but with both players in impressive form for BVB this season, Low revealed that there was plenty of time for that to change.
“With Roman Weidenfeller, we have been looking at him for quite some time, we know about his outstanding performances, so this is definitely a consideration,” he added.
“We have already discussed Grosskreutz. If he plays at the level he has shown, against Marseille for example, it can again be an issue for us!”
Germany wrap up their qualification campaign on Tuesday when they face Sweden in Solna. ------------------ goal.com
No comments:
Post a Comment