Ambitious Löw signs on for more with Germany

The German Football Association (DFB) has announced that coach Joachim Löw has signed a two-year extension to his current contract, tying him to the job until July 2016.

Team manager Oliver Bierhoff and goalkeeping coach Andreas Köpke have also committed their futures to Germany for a further two years. Meanwhile, assistant coach Hans-Dieter Flick will take up the reins as DFB sporting director following the conclusion of the 2014 FIFA World Cup on a five-year deal.

"Working with this team gives me huge pleasure," said Low, 53, who negotiated Germany's safe passage to next summer's World Cup as they went unbeaten en route to winning Group C. "I am highly motivated to develop this team. We've not reached the end of our journey and we're very ambitious in what we want to achieve. We are grateful for the faith placed in us by the DFB and president Wolfgang Niersbach."

"Since the 2006 World Cup, the national team has always reached the last four of a major tournament," added Niersbach. "The team also comfortably dealt with the recent qualifying campaign. A dynamic, attacking style of play has always been the hallmark of this team. This is all thanks to Joachim Löw and every member of the team. We have great faith in Joachim Löw, Hansi Flick, Andreas Köpke and Oliver Bierhoff, who I value greatly as experts and as people."