Löw to lead Germany's World Cup defence in 2018
Friday, March 13, 2015
Article summary
Joachim Löw has agreed a new contract running until the end of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, meaning the coach will oversee the defence of the trophy won last summer.
Article top media content
Article body
Germany coach Joachim Löw has extended his contract for a further two years, keeping him in his post until the end of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Assistant coach Thomas Schneider, goalkeeping coach Andreas Köpke and general manager Oliver Bierhoff will also receive new contracts, with Bierhoff also responsible for leading the new German Football Association (DFB) academy, which is still to be built, until 2020.
"I have always maintained that it is a huge challenge and motivation for us all to confirm our success in Brazil," said Löw, 55, whose previous deal ran until UEFA EURO 2016. "Our young team has not finished its development cycle yet, and the same goes for most of the players. Thomas Schneider, Andreas Köpke, Oliver Bierhoff and I have accepted this offer as we enjoy our work with the players and the team behind the team a lot. Together we want to continue on our road, together we still have a lot we intend to do."
"I am very happy that Joachim Löw will continue to coach the national team until 2018; with his competence, determination and confident demeanour he benefits the Germany team and the entire German FA a lot," said DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach. "We want to stay among the top sides in the world, that's our shared goal. The DFB will continue to do everything to offer the best possible conditions to the best footballers in our country. This will also be seen in the new DFB academy, the future talent pool and idea pool for German football. It is a great boost to have been able to convince Oliver Bierhoff to be project leader there. With his business background, talent for organisation and knowledge of the DFB, he is exactly the right man."
"I'm very happy and proud that the DFB has made me project lead for the academy," added Bierhoff. "This is an attractive and challenging task for me. For this project of a century, we need the resources and the knowledge of the entire DFB. I find it incredible appealing to build up new structures."
With seven points from four games, world champions Germany are currently second in qualifying Group D for UEFA EURO 2016, with leaders Poland on ten points.
