Friday 18 April 2014

World Soccer, May 2014

Part of Feature containing Interviews with all 32 World Cup coaches

What did you make of Germany's most recent game, the friendly against Chile in March?

The Chileans were exactly the sort of opponent we needed in the run-up to the World Cup, extremely strong, hard-running and technically proficient. A team which really tested us. If you take the game as a whole, it was a relatively lucky win for us. Chile had lots of chances.

Was there a reason why they had so many goalscoring opportunities?

We gave the ball away a lot and because of that the game became too stretched, with too much space for Chile to operate in. In recent matches against England and Italy we excelled with our unbelievably accurate passing, but this time we were lacking in this department. We were never able to get a foothold in the game. Both teams set out early on to put the other under pressure. Even though we won the game 1-0, we only rarely made use of the space which opened up.

What did the team take from the game with regard to this summer?

We had to expend an incredible amount of effort. It does you good sometimes to realise that exceptional footballers aren't only found in Germany.

You have appealed to your players not to treat the World Cup finals with complacency. Did the Chile game confirm your warnings?

In both my press conferences and in the dressing room witht he players, I've brought up these issues. My opinion is that some players must raise their individual performance levels. Some have been injured and still have to find their match rhythm. We realise we must be in a position to improve. The players concerned have been informed.

Mesut Özil started on the right side of midfield in the game against Chile and then moved to a more central striking role. Are you looking for a position for him? How does he seem to you at the moment?

I've had conversations with Mesut, we are always having exchanges of views. In leaving Spanish football for the Premier League he has had to get used to a more different style of play. I don't have to create any role for him. I know which positions he can play in. In this game I wanted to see Özil, [Miroslav] Klose and [Mario} Götze switching positions. In the first half a couple of chances came out of it, but nothing in the second. I know what Mesut Özil can do, I have 100 per cent faith that he will find his best form between now and the World Cup.

What are your thoughts regarding Bastian Schweinsteiger?

He's important for us because of his class as a player, his experience and his immense influence on other players. If he's fit for 90 minutes, his strength in possession and tactical refinement makes him amazingly valuable. He has been out injured for a long time and has only been back for a couple of matches. Over the next two or three months he needs to play more games and that will do him good. Then, I'm sure, we'll see a good Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Did the Chile game prove to you that the big football nations are not the only ones who can cause Germany problems at the World Cup?

Some experts see Chile as dark horses for the World Cup and they confirmed this standing against us. I watch a lot of international games and you can never say that the best footballers in the world are only located in Germany. We've some very good players - as long as they are in good physical shape. Sometimes one has the impression that Germany is flooded with talent, but other nations are not sleeping either.

How do you rate your side's chances this summer?

On paper, we have a top team, but reality sees it differently. We have some players who have been injured for months. We have some players who are not playing regularly for their clubs. We have some players who are struggling for form and others who are fighting little injury concerns.

Have you decided on your squad yet?

The clock is ticking and only those who hear it will have a real chance to be in the squad. This is an appeal to everyboyd, and to some a wake-up call. To go to the World Cup in top condition, everyone has to make sure that over the next few months their training, lifestyle and professionalism are just right.

Interview by Frankfurter Allgemeine.ESM

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NIVEA MEN im Interview mit Joachim Löw über innovativen Fußball und die Trainerrolle, 18.04.2014

NIVEA MEN im Interview mit Joachim Löw über innovativen Fußball und die Trainerrolle

Herr Löw, der Fußball auf dem Rasen ist ständigen Wandlungen unterworfen. Welche Entwicklungen beobachten Sie? Was hat Sie überrascht, was hat Sie irritiert?

Joachim Löw: „Wie in jedem Bereich und jedem Beruf gibt es auch im Fußball ständige Entwicklungen. Die Anforderungen auf und neben dem Spielfeld werden somit auch immer größer. Überrascht hat mich eigentlich nichts, irritiert auch nicht. Unterschätzt habe ich vielleicht die Bedeutung von Social Media.“

Mit Blick auf die letzten beiden Weltmeisterschaften wird gern von der Dominanz des europäischen Fußballs gesprochen. Wie wird sich diese Vormachtstellung in den nächsten Jahrzehnten entwickeln?

Joachim Löw: „Bei den letzten beiden Weltmeisterschaften waren in der Tat von insgesamt acht Halbfinalteilnehmern sieben aus Europa. Das spricht auf den ersten Blick eine deutliche Sprache. Aber schon bei der Weltmeisterschaft im Sommer in Brasilien kann dies ganz anders aussehen, weil die Südamerikaner dann einen Heimvorteil haben. Auch die asiatischen und afrikanischen Mannschaften entwickeln sich mit großem Tempo weiter.“

Die deutsche Elf ist in letzter Zeit immer häufiger mit einer sogenannten falschen Neun aufgelaufen. Ist der traditionelle Strafraumstürmer ein Auslaufmodell?

Joachim Löw: „Nein, sicherlich nicht. Ein Trainer muss eine Mannschaft nach seinen Vorstellungen und nach den Spielern, die ihm zur Verfügung stehen, ausrichten. Ich kann da aber keinen ultimativen Trend feststellen.“

2014 wird die erste WM sein, bei der mit Chip im Ball oder Torkamera gespielt wird. Glauben Sie, dass dieser Einzug der Technik auf dem Fußballplatz sich weiter fortsetzen wird und vielleicht irgendwann sogar den Schiedsrichter ersetzt?

Joachim Löw: „Ich kann mir nicht vorstellen, dass es in den kommenden Jahren eine Technologie gibt, die den Schiedsrichter ersetzt. Zumal der Fußball ja auch davon lebt, dass in allen Ligen unter den gleichen Rahmenbedingungen gespielt wird. Ein Chip im Ball oder eine Torkamera ist sicherlich durchsetzbar – aber mehr Technik kann ich mir im Moment noch nicht durchgängig vorstellen.“

Was fasziniert Sie am Trainerjob?

Joachim Löw: „Eigentlich alles. Die Arbeit mit der Mannschaft in Theorie und Praxis, die Vorbereitung auf die Spiele, die Analyse und Aufarbeitung – ich bin mir sicher, dass es für mich keinen schöneren Beruf gibt.“

Deutschland wird dieses Jahr wohl wieder einen der jüngsten Kader zur WM schicken. Finden Sie und Ihr Trainerstab sich manchmal auch in einer Mentorenrolle wieder?

Joachim Löw: „Nein. Wenn diese Spieler zu uns kommen, haben sie in ihren Vereinen ja schon einiges erlebt. Sie kommen ja trotz ihres jungen Alters nicht aus einer Jugendmannschaft, sondern sie haben in der Bundesliga schon für Aufsehen gesorgt. Grundsätzlich sind diese jungen Spieler heutzutage schon viel weiter in ihrer Entwicklung – da ist die Arbeit mit der Nationalmannschaft ganz normale Trainerarbeit.“

Die Aufgaben und Pflichten eines Profitrainers werden immer komplexer. Werden Teams bald nicht mehr nur von Ex-Profispielern betreut, sondern auch von Managern mit MBA und Führungsqualitäten?

Joachim Löw: „Das eine sollte das andere nicht ausschließen. Ein Trainer braucht heute mehr Führungsqualitäten denn je. Er braucht Glaubwürdigkeit und er braucht Kompetenz. Die Aufgaben im Fußball sind in den vergangenen Jahren viel komplexer geworden, und deshalb muss ein Trainer auch Experten um sich scharen, die diese Aufgaben lösen können. Man muss ein Umfeld schaffen, in dem jeder seine Stärken einbringt und in dem Leistung gesteigert werden kann. Dazu kann eine Erfahrung als ehemaliger Spieler auch einen Teil beitragen – aber ohne Führungsqualitäten geht das auf keinen Fall.“

Neben Ihrem Job auf dem Platz sind Sie zum Beispiel auch der „Pflegecoach“ der Männerpflege-Marke NIVEA MEN. Alte Trainer-Haudegen wie zum Beispiel Sepp Herberger sind nur schwer in einer solchen Rolle vorstellbar. Ist Ihr Engagement ein Symbol dafür, dass sich der Fußball verändert hat?

Joachim Löw: „Das hat nichts mit der Persönlichkeit Sepp Herberger zu tun, sondern liegt einfach an den gravierenden Veränderungen des Fußballs, die es in den vergangenen Jahrzehnten, insbesondere aber in den vergangenen Jahren gegeben hat. Das gesamte Umfeld hat sich verändert: Medienarbeit, Sponsoren, Verband, Stadien, Zuschauerstruktur – nahezu alles hat sich gewandelt. Beinahe alles passiert in der Öffentlichkeit. Spieler und Trainer üben nicht nur ihren Sport aus, sie repräsentieren auch ihren Verein, den Verband, Sponsoren oder ein ganzes Land. Früher ist man im Trainingsanzug und in Turnschuhen gereist, heute ist es wichtig, dass eine Mannschaft als Repräsentant verschiedener Institutionen geschlossen und gut angezogen auftritt.“

Mit welchem Trainer würden Sie gerne mal für eine Woche den Job tauschen und warum?

Joachim Löw: „Mit keinem. Bundestrainer zu sein, ist nicht nur ein Job, sondern auch eine Verpflichtung. Und alle Aufgaben, die damit verbunden sind, erfülle ich gerne.“

Acknowledgements to Nivea for Men and sportpresseportal.de
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Friday 11 April 2014

Löw on Bayern-Dortmund: "I'm expecting nothing but the best", 11.04.2014

The two most dominant teams in recent Bundesliga history – Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund – will face each other on Saturday (live on Sky at 18:30) in what is now billed as the German "Clasico". The clash is one of the highlights of the season for Joachim Löw, and also provides the Germany coach with a welcome opportunity to watch a number of his charges in action.

Löw gave an interview ahead of tomorrow's showdown to discuss the importance of the fixture, the dominance of quintuple winners Bayern Munich and what the rivalry between the sides means for the national team.

Question: Herr Löw, Bayern-Dortmund involves more national team players than any other fixture, doesn't it?

Löw: True. This match is obviously the best chance I have to see a large portion of the national team in action on two different sides. And there are a whole host of talented internationals from other countries too. I'm expecting nothing but the best. It's a special fixture – and one I always look forward to. The same goes for the millions of football fans all over the world who'll be following the game.

Question: It's the biggest fixture in the Bundesliga: some refer to it as the clash of the titans, others as the German "Clasico". Just how important do you think it is?

Löw: It's a clash between the two teams that have dominated the Bundesliga in recent years, so the "Clasico" is an apt name for it. The quality is just as high as Madrid-Barcelona in Spain or Inter-Juventus in Italy. Ultimately, it's a fixture that benefits the entire league, and German football in general, as millions of people around the world tune in to follow the action.

Question: The title has been won by either Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund each year since 2010. Do you think another team is capable of breaking their stranglehold on the domestic game?

Löw: It's difficult to say, but it certainly doesn't look like it at the moment. I still think that international football is the real benchmark for how good a team is, so that’s what clubs need to work towards. It's both desirable and important that German teams don't just reach the latter stages of the Champions League, but that we also have one or two clubs in the quarter-finals or semi-finals of the Europa League. Each time a new season gets underway, other clubs are always working hard in an attempt to achieve this. That's one of the Bundesliga's great strengths.

Question: Bayern Munich are a long way ahead of the chasing pack this season. What are the reasons for this and how do you view the club's current dominance?

Löw: It's an incredible achievement to win the championship at such an early stage of the season and I can only congratulate everyone involved at the club. Pep Guardiola has taken the team to a whole new level, really moulding them in his image in terms of dominance and ball possession. Bayern’s mentality is one of success at all costs, and they have a clear playing style they implement from the first minute to the last. The players radiate self-belief. Pep Guardiola demands results, and Bayern have the strength in depth to achieve them. That's definitely what sets them apart from their competitiors. They can deal with injuries; there’s always a great player who can step in.

Question: What impact does that have?

Löw: Bayern Munich have every chance of repeating last year's successes, and so their season is far from over – for example, the business end of the Champions League campaign is now approaching. I get the feeling they're quite comfortable in their role as the team to beat, or the favourites. I'm also delighted for our national team players at the club, of course – the title gives them vital momentum. And we still have some very important objectives to achieve this year.

Question: Bayern and Dortmund have very different playing styles. Which bears the closest resemblance to the German national team?

Löw: We've established our own system in the national team setup over the past few years. Ultimately, it depends on the players we have available for selection. With Mkhitaryan and Lewandowski at Dortmund and Robben and Ribéry at Bayern, both sides have key players influencing their style of play who don't represent Germany. So it goes without saying that we need to adapt our game to our strengths.

Question: Both clubs have world-class coaches at the helm, with Guardiola at Bayern and Klopp at Dortmund. How instrumental have they been to their clubs' success?

Löw: Both Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp have a clear philosophy that makes their respective sides so strong. They have a clear approach, drive their players on and transmit their ideas to them. They're both wonderful characters who've been crucial to their respective side's success.

Question: It's always a hotly-contested encounter when Bayern face Dortmund, with players on both sides often involved in verbal confrontations. Do you have to mediate between the Bayern and Dortmund fractions in the national team setup?

Löw: No. On the contrary, I get the feeling that the players are delighted to link up for international duty and to play together for Germany. You'll sometimes see Dortmund and Schalke players sitting at the same table, and the rivalry between those two clubs is enormous. We have common goals that unite us. The players forget their club allegiances when they're with the national team.

Question: What position do you see Philipp Lahm playing at the World Cup?

Löw: Philipp is our captain, and what I really like about him is that he always puts the team first. Any team would be lucky to have him in their side – no matter what position he plays in. We'll sit down with him and discuss the best solution prior to the World Cup, that’s what I've agreed with Philipp.

Question: Are you still considering the possibility of a call-up for Badstuber or Gündogan?

Löw: We don't want to put any pressure on either player. The number one priority is for our players to be healthy and completely injury-free. Only then can they be involved in our training sessions. That's the basic prerequisite for any involvement in the national team. The tournament in Brazil will be mentally and physically draining. So I need my players to be very resilient when our preparations start.

Question: Thomas Müller recently stated that his intention was to win the World Cup in Brazil. Do you share his opinion and how realistic is this goal?

Löw: Hearing players say this is music to my ears. Yes, we want to be world champions. But equally, we can't make any promises. Other countries have their eye on the same prize, and we need to show them respect because they play some wonderful football too.

Question: UEFA have decided to introduce the Nations League starting in 2018. What are your thoughts on this?

Löw: We always want to measure our progress by playing against the world's best teams. That's the only way to improve. If the Nations League gives us the opportunity to do this, then I don't have a problem with it. Especially as it won't increase the number of international matches on the calendar and Germany will still have enough time to face the big non-European nations, such as Brazil or Argentina.

Question: And finally, your prediction for the German "Classico"?

Löw: As a matter principle, I never like to predict results. But I’m sure that it'll be a match of the highest quality.

11 April 2014
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Monday 7 April 2014

Joachim Löw: "I'm extremely confident", 06.04.2014

In a little over two months’ time, the German national team will begin their campaign in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which runs from 12 June until 13 July. National team coach Joachim Löw is looking forward to the challenge for several reasons: the tournament is being held in Brazil, a country that lives and breathes football; he knows the quality and mentality of his players; and he knows his team will be as well prepared as possible. While nervous anticipation is building for other teams, Löw is becoming ever more relaxed.

DFB.de met the national coach to discuss the prospect of his team’s final World Cup preparations, nerves, optimism and the World Cup trophy.

DFB.de: Mr Löw, final preparations for the World Cup will begin in just a few weeks. How excited are you at the prospect?

Joachim Löw: Extremely excited. I’ve already experienced four major tournaments as an assistant or head coach to the national team, and each one had its own highlights, but the anticipation ahead of Brazil beats everything. I think it’s partly down to the fact that Brazil is such a huge footballing nation. I can think of nothing better than a football World Cup in Brazil.

DFB.de: Does that mean you’re even more excited than you were before the 2006 FIFA World Cup?

Löw: Of course, being part of a World Cup in my own country was an absolute highlight, but in hindsight I admit there were a lot of nerves at that time, particularly in the days before the competition began. Everyone still had that friendly defeat in Italy in March in their minds. I only calmed down a little after the opening match. Nowadays I deal with high-pressure situations like that very well – sometimes I even enjoy them.

DFB.de: What does that mean?

Löw: The closer the tournament gets, the calmer I become, because I know and I’m confident that we’ve thought of everything. I’m looking forward to the friendly matches, every training session, our time in the South Tyrol and then everything that awaits us in Brazil. We’ll be experiencing the World Cup in a country where football is a bigger part of its identity than anywhere else on the planet, and their enthusiasm for the sport is just as huge, as I experienced last year at the Confederations Cup. The excitement was already overwhelming at the dress rehearsal, and it will get even greater at the World Cup itself. It’s a great privilege to be able to be part of such an event.

DFB.de: Do your team feel the same?

Löw: It’s normal and appropriate that the players are still thinking solely about their clubs, whether in the Bundesliga or the Champions League. That’s understandable because the next few weeks will decide the entire season for most of them. Many of my players have a chance for major success now, and the time for success with the national team will come after that. Nevertheless, they can’t avoid the unique allure and fascination the World Cup generates. You notice that when we’re all together. During the friendly against Chile in Stuttgart, I realised the players knew something unique and immense is waiting for them at this summer’s tournament in Brazil.

DFB.de: Although your team won that match 1-0, you weren’t satisfied with their performance. How much did the display in Stuttgart unsettle you?

Löw: The game didn’t unsettle me; instead, it gave us a clear indication of where we still need to improve. The standard at every World Cup is unbelievably high. At this point, anyone who doesn’t realise just how strong the South American teams will be in Brazil is beyond held. Chile confirmed this with an impressive display and Colombia are another example, not to mention the usual suspects of Brazil and Argentina. Chile were exactly the opponents we needed ahead of this summer’s competition. They were extremely strong and lively and were technically and tactically impressive, despite playing an away match in Europe in conditions that were unfamiliar for some of their players. It’ll be the other way around at the World Cup.

DFB.de: It doesn’t sound as though you’re heading to the tournament with any great optimism.

Löw: That’s not true. Just because other teams are performing well doesn’t mean we can’t perform just as well or even better if everything goes to plan, if everyone gives their all and if we are well aware of the enormous challenge that awaits us in Brazil. Once again, I must stress that this tournament will be extremely physically demanding for all the players, so the players who come with us to Brazil must be in top form and fitness. Before that, there’s the training camp in the Passeier valley.

DFB.de: It’s a similar situation to 2012, with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund’s successes meaning that many of your players will not be available for the start of your World Cup preparations.

Löw: It’s a totally different situation to 2012.

DFB.de: What’s the difference?

Löw: We’re much more solid as a team. Although there are some new players coming into the squad, the core players have been around for much longer. As a result, the expectations are different, not least because my players now have much more international experience. The Dortmund players now know how to cope with an international final too. Of course, I’d love to have the entire squad together from day one of our finals preparations, but not if that means my players are coming to me fresh from disappointment with their clubs. I really can’t complain about my players’ success with their clubs. If my players progress to the latter stages of the Champions League, it also means that they have had to prove themselves at the highest level at regular intervals, and that’s great preparation for an elite international tournament like the World Cup.

DFB.de: In that case, are you confident that the time you’ll have with the entire squad will be enough to get the team into shape for the World Cup?

Löw: Let’s not cross that bridge until we come to it. If it transpires that some players aren’t up to scratch in areas of their preparations, we’ll find ways to deal with the situation. I’ve got great confidence in my players as well as my entire coaching and support team. We have analysed the 2012 situation, learned from it and drawn our conclusions. And I can promise everyone that we’ll be as well prepared as possible by the time we fly to Brazil.

DFB.de: The German U-20 side will act as friendly opponents during the training camp. How did that come about?

Löw: Hansi Flick had this excellent, exciting idea, and there are many upsides to the arrangement. It’s fantastic for the U-20 players to come into contact with the senior side this way, get to know the whole environment and acclimatise to it. I’m certain they’ll benefit from this experience in their later careers. It also strengthens cohesion within the DFB and reinforces the link between the first team and the youth sides. And for us, it’s great to be able to test ourselves against a team that can take particular tactical approaches against us. We usually play against teams from the local region during our training camp, and we’ve had good experiences with that too, but I think it’s more useful for us right now and the DFB in future if we can try things out against a junior national team.

DFB.de: Germany has not won the World Cup since 1990. How confident are you that this wait will come to an end on 13 July?

Löw: It’s not my job to predict such things. Even if I were to promise to bring back the trophy, it doesn’t mean we’d be certain to become world champions. All I can say is that we want to win the World Cup; I can’t say we will win the World Cup.

DFB.de: But you’d be disappointed if it didn’t work out…

Löw: I haven’t thought about that for even a second. I don’t give time to any negative thoughts ahead of a tournament; instead, I’m going into it with great conviction, confidence and optimism. We might fall short of our target, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we have to feel disappointed about it. For me, the most important thing is that the team give a good account of themselves, both on and off the pitch, and how we represent our country and its 80 million citizens.

DFB.de: What are you most looking forward to in Brazil?

Löw: Seeing the best footballers in the world come up against one another in competition. I’m expecting to see football at a whole new level in Brazil. The game is always developing, and the players and teams are developing with it. A World Cup brings together the best in the world, and it’s a great pleasure to be among them.

6 April 2014
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