Joachim Low to step down as Germany manager after European Championships
By Tom Gott
Germany manager Joachim Low is set to step down from his position after the European Championships this summer.
Low has been in charge of Germany ever since 2006 and helped Die Mannschaft regain their place among the world's elite national teams. They finished third at the 2010 World Cup before winning the whole thing four years later.
Joachim #Löw will step down as national team head coach after @EURO2020. pic.twitter.com/t4OuyQmaSC
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) March 9, 2021
However, things have not been as rosy in recent years. They were embarrassed at the 2018 World Cup and only avoided relegation in the UEFA Nations League because of a last-minute rule change, and such form has seen Low's future called into question.
Low isn't going anywhere just yet, but the German FA confirmed on their official website that the boss' time in charge of the team will come to an end after this summer's European Championships.
"I take this step very consciously, full of pride and enormous gratitude, but at the same time I continue to be very motivated when it comes to the upcoming European Championship tournament," Low said.
"I'm proud, because it is something very special and an honour for me to be involved in my country. And because I have been able to work with the best footballers in the country for almost 17 years and support them in their development. I have great triumphs with them and painful defeats, but above all many wonderful and magical moments - not just winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
"I am and will remain grateful to the DFB, which has always provided me and the team with an ideal working environment.
"I still feel the unconditional will as well as great energy and ambition for the upcoming European Championships. I will do my best to make our fans happy and successful at this tournament. I also know that this applies to the entire team."
DFB President Fritz Keller added: "I have great respect for Joachim Low's decision. The DFB knows what he has in Jogi, he is one of the greatest coaches in world football. Jogi Low has had German football like no other for years, not only because of his sporting achievements, but also because of his empathy and humanity.
"The fact that he informed us about his decision at an early stage is very decent. He gives us at the DFB the necessary time to be calm in our search for his successor."