Joachim Löw: Former national coach defends Antonio Rüdiger and Leroy Sané

After being nominated for the World Cup

Joachim Löw defends controversial player duo

Joachim Löw supports Neuer’s return as number one and the nominations of Rüdiger and Sané for the World Cup. He has a clear order for one of the three

Former national coach Joachim Löw has clearly supported Julian Nagelsmann’s World Cup squad nominations. At the “Bild 100 Sport” event in Berlin, he spoke out in favor of the return of Manuel Neuer as number one and in favor of the appointment of Antonio Rüdiger and Leroy Sané.

Rüdiger and Sané in particular have not been without controversy in recent months. Rüdiger was repeatedly noticed for his questionable behavior. Most recently when he caught opponent Diego Rico with his knee in the head in the league game against Getafe at the beginning of March. There was an accusation of intent, which Rüdiger rejected. Either way, boarding looked awkward.

He said about the Real defender: “Toni Rüdiger is really an extraordinary defender. He is incredibly fast, he is extremely good in duels. He brings incredible dynamism to a team and can stand up to any striker. They have great respect for him. This nomination is completely justified.”

When it comes to Sané, critics regularly focus on his inconsistent performance. Löw would also have nominated the former Munich player, but emphasizes his “extraordinary abilities” and also holds the 30-year-old accountable: “I would like him to show that consistently. What’s important in a tournament is that you as a player show that over five, six, seven games. He sometimes shows it to some extent, then he can decide games. And sometimes you need decision-makers like that.”

Löw also commented on Manuel Neuer’s comeback. Neuer resigned as a national player after the home European Championships in 2024, but is returning for the World Cup – and pushing 35-year-old Hoffenheimer Oliver Baumann to number two. At the event, Löw explained: “Oliver Baumann did well. But of course Manu is a personality. A coach decides based on quality, but of course also what kind of dynamics arise in a team. Manu knows tournaments, he has experience. And so it’s a very, very good decision.” He showed understanding for Baumann: “It’s a difficult situation for Oliver Baumann.”

Löw did not want to raise allegations of questionable communication against Nagelsmann. He added: “I think he communicated clearly internally.” Löw prefers to look ahead: “We hope that it will be a good tournament, that a special connection will be created between the team and fans, like it was in 2014 or 2006, and that it can provide unforgettable moments.”