Düsseldorf It is by far the most difficult time for Joachim Löw. The national coach of the German national soccer team, who was crowned world champion four years ago, has not experienced a similar dry spell in his long term in office.
In the summer, his team retired early at the World Cup in Russia after embarrassing appearances. And even after the much-announced coming to terms with the crisis in late summer, things did not get any better.
The new beginning just in time for the Nations League initially came to nothing. After today’s narrow defeat against France, there is even a risk of relegation to the second division. So far, Löw has ruled out a resignation. It’s not that easy – for three reasons.
The next defeat for the German national team followed on Tuesday evening. The team lost 1: 2 to France. But the performance was absolutely right, the Germans played well for a long time, held against it and even took the lead. And unfortunately they weren’t rewarded in the end.
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Nevertheless: The opponent was not called San Marino or Azerbaijan, but France – the current world champion. Löw seems to have succeeded in bringing about a more aggressive style of play with a few changes in the line-up. His team showed a much better game in France than in the Netherlands, but also failed in the end because of Antoine Griezmann.
The Frenchman, currently one of the best players in the world, scored two goals. Despite everything: After this game, Löw’s dismissal should be difficult. For now, at least, it would be difficult to justify.
Second: the alternatives
Joachim Löw has been national coach for twelve years now. He shaped a whole generation of players – and achieved almost everything that can be achieved with a national team. With his calm and matter-of-fact manner he turned German football inside out, he made a team out of individuals.
When his first contract was extended, there were still discussions at the German Football Association (DFB), at the time it was about salary, influence and power. Since then, criticism of his person has seldom been heard. Because at the DFB they know that the alternatives are rare.
Thomas Tuchel and Jürgen Klopp, two other successful German coaches, prefer to earn their living at top clubs in France and England. And get a lot more money than Löw. Just for comparison: Löw earns around 3.8 million euros per year (he has increased his salary over the years), Tuchel comes to around five million euros at Paris St. Germain and Klopp supposedly earns ten million euros in Liverpool – all exclusive advertising contracts and constant observation by the German media.
There are seldom names other than the ones just mentioned – there aren’t that many of this class either. Finding a successor who really wants Löw’s post – and who can fill it – is extremely difficult. In Frankfurt you also know exactly what you have in Löw.
Third: the peculiarities of the DFB
Only a few months ago, before the opening game of the soccer World Cup in Russia, the DFB officially announced that it was planning with Löw until 2022. The premature extension of the contract for a man who never gets tired and who shows no signs of wear and tear, as the reason for the move at the time.
Now, only a short time later, to revise this and to maneuver Löw on the sidelines because the athletic performance is not right, would amount to an admission of guilt. The DFB Presidium will certainly take as long as possible to do this.
After the defeat against France, DFB boss Reinhard Grindel said: “I think we saw a bit of upheaval today that gives us courage.” And further: “The development of the team is crucial. What the young team showed today can be built on. ”Grindel has once again given his national coach a boost. And with it yourself. The only question is how much longer.
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