Joachim Low will continue as Germany manager despite the country’s shock early exit from the World Cup in Russia, it has been confirmed.
Low had signed a contract extension on the eve of the tournament to take him up to May 2022, but the reigning champions’ disastrous showing in Russia – where they made a shock exit at the group stage – had led to questions over whether he would continue in the role.
READ MORE: Holders Germany crash out of World Cup after South Korea claim late victory in Kazan
The German football association (DFB) confirmed on Tuesday that the 58-year-old would remain in the role.
OFFICIAL: Joachim #Löw will continue as #DieMannschaft head coach 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/PL6xJUgPxH
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) July 3, 2018
“I am very grateful for the belief that the DFB has shown in me and I feel, generally, that despite the justified criticism towards me, I feel a lot of support and encouragement too,” said Low.
“It was important for me, after a few days in which I did a lot of thinking, to sit down and have a one-to-one talk with the top of the federation,” he added.
💬 "I still feel a huge sense of disappointment, but I am fully committed to leading us through this rebuilding phase" - Joachim #Löw is staying on as #DieMannschaft head coach 👉 https://t.co/ig3iF594cs pic.twitter.com/amteKwboGK
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) July 3, 2018
Low took charge of Die Mannschaft after the 2006 World Cup, having previously been on the coaching staff.
He led the team to the World Cup title in Brazil in 2014 – Germany’s fourth in total and first since 1990.
READ MORE: Die Mannschaft disaster: Where did it all go wrong for Germany?
However, at the latest edition in Russia the team suffered a catastrophic early exit, finishing bottom of their group after suffering two defeats in three games – including going down 2-0 to South Korea.