dpa
Berlin
Former coach Joachim Loew believes Germany are playing good football and are once again one of the favourites for glory at the Qatar World Cup.
Germany were dumped out in the group stage as holders in Russia four years ago and were beaten in the last 16 at last year’s European Championship by England as Löw stepped down after 15 years.
“Germany are definitely one of the co-favourites for the title, that’s how optimistic I am,” the 2014 World Cup-winning coach told Germany’s Express newspaper on Tuesday.
“The team is high quality, the results were mostly good, as well as their way of playing football.” Löw does not believe that the debate about the banned One Love captain’s armband will affect the team when they open their 2022 campaign against Japan on Wednesday.
“They won’t be distracted by other things or get caught up in discussions. What counts now is the sport,” added the 62-year-old.
He said he is “constantly in contact” with current coach Hansi Flick, who was his assistant in run to the 2014 title in Brazil and succeeded him in the role last year.
Löw plans to travel to Qatar after the group stage to watch some matches, he assumes including Germany. “Hopefully, I’ll also see some inspiring German games then. I am one of the team’s and Hansi Flick’s biggest fans,” he remarked.
Low revealed that he is in constant contact with Germany’s current professional football coach and his former assistant Hansi Flick, noting in this context that Flick has been by his side for 8 years and knows what is important in such a tournament and what could make the difference. It is noteworthy that Joachim Low was the manager of the Germany national team from 2006 until 2021, as he led Germany to victory at the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014, after having won the final match against Argentina.
