Loew buries hatchet with German federation

February 9, 2010

National coach Joachim Loew ended his stand-off with the German Football Federation (DFB) on Tuesday as both parties agreed to plough all their efforts into Germany’s 2010 World Cup campaign.

“We have agreed upon a clear strategy right up to the World Cup,” Loew said during a televised press conference from the DFB’s base in Frankfurt.

“We agree that our mutual interest is tied to the build-up to the World Cup over the coming weeks and months and we will prepare the team so that it can enjoy a good tournament.”

Loew confirmed that an extension to his contract, which expires in July this year, will not be discussed until after the World Cup.

The DFB suspended negotiations over a two-year extension to Loew’s contract, citing wage demands made by Loew and the team’s general manager Oliver Bierhoff.

Loew had been expected to agree to stay on until the 2012 European Championship and on Sunday he declared himself “very angry” with the DFB’s decision to publicise details of their negotiations.

Bayern Munich president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had earlier urged the DFB to find a solution with Loew.

The Bayern chief also criticised Bierhoff for having reportedly demanded the right to veto the appointment of Loew’s successor.

“That was not acceptable (but) I think he’s prepared to take a step back,” said Rummenigge, who added that the DFB had made a “serious mistake — the biggest mistake possible — by publicising the contents of the contract”.

Loew took over as Germany’s national coach in 2006 after two years as an assistant to Jurgen Klinsmann.

Under Loew’s guidance, in 45 games Germany have recorded 31 victories, eight draws and six defeats.

At this summer’s World Cup, Germany have been drawn in Group D with Australia, Ghana and Serbia.

BERLIN (AFP)