The German Football Association has announced that Joachim Low will be stepping down from his role as Germany manager after the conclusion of Euro 2020.
Low, 61, who asked for his contract to be terminated early, led Germany to the country’s fourth World Cup in 2014, beating Argentina 1-0 in the final after a 7-1 demolition of hosts Brazil in the semi-finals.
Since reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016, losing to hosts France, Low has struggled to maintain Germany’s successful formula with a surprising group stage exit at the 2018 World Cup, the first time the nation had failed to make the knockout stages.
Despite qualifying for Euro 2020, Germany was on the receiving end of a 6-0 rout away to Spain in November as well as drawing to Switzerland twice in the UEFA Nations League.
In his statement, Low said as quoted by Sky Sports, “I take this step very consciously, full of pride and enormous gratitude, but at the same time continue to be very motivated when it comes to the upcoming European Championship tournament,” Low said.
“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.”
Source: Sky Sports