World champion coach from 2014
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Former national coach Joachim Löw expressly supported the nomination of Leon Goretzka for the current squad of DFB coach Julian Nagelsmann. For the 2014 world champion, the Bayern professional, whose consideration in the public discussion was sometimes viewed critically, should also be at the World Cup in the summer. In a “Sport Bild” interview, Löw commented on several details of the squad that will play against Switzerland in Basel next Friday (8:45 p.m.) and against Ghana in Stuttgart on Monday (8:45 p.m.).
“I understand his nomination. Leon is good, he is a player from whom you can expect stability,” said Löw about Goretzka, who currently does not have a regular place at FC Bayern. “He has experience and can interpret his role very well. If you take the whole season together, he has already had a lot of appearances and a lot of minutes of play. That’s okay, I think that’s enough. (…) I would certainly rely on Leon at the World Cup, absolutely.”
When considering whether Joshua Kimmich should play as a right-back or a six-man for the DFB team, Löw was reminded of his situation with Philipp Lahm, whom he once had switch between defensive midfield and full-back positions. Löw commented on the situation with Kimmich: “It sometimes depends on the overall constellation. I believe that Joshua is currently playing at a world-class level in each of the two positions. At the moment I would say: Since we have players in central midfield who have the level to get to the top, Joshua is in the right position on the right. Because we are having a hard time with the right-backs.”
Löw cautious about Tah and duel between Gnabry and Sané
For the center of defense, Löw avoided the question of whether Jonathan Tah should be placed as head of defense opposite Antonio Rüdiger and Nico Schlotterbeck. He believes that the Munich Tah Real professional complements Rüdiger and Dortmund’s Schlotterbeck well. Tah is “a calming force” alongside his colleagues who are very strong in duels and lead duels offensively. “Jona has gained a lot of experience since he was with us for Rüdiger at the European Championships in 2016,” said Löw. “He was good at the beginning of his career, but sometimes also flawed. He has improved a little bit over the years. For the past year or two, Jona has been one of the very best central defenders you can imagine. He has become very good at building up the game and opening the game. With his calmness, his calmness, his strength in tackling, he is incredibly important for the team.”
Löw was also reserved when asked whether he saw FC Bayern’s Serge Gnabry as having better chances on the offensive than Galatasaray’s Leroy Sané. “It’s not my place to evaluate that,” explained Löw. “It’s no secret that Serge Gnabry, when he’s healthy and has rhythm, is always a really great player. He can score goals, is fast, technically good and a valuable combination player. Leroy also has exceptional skills. Together with Wirtz, Musiala and perhaps Havertz, we have outstanding options on the offensive.”
With regard to the offensive personnel, Löw emphasized the importance of different profiles in the squad. “Who goes into the first game and then plays through with the team? If I want to win the World Cup, I need alternatives. In Brazil 2014 we had players who were strong, who started. And we had players like André Schürrle who came into the game and then decided it. There is a certain distribution of roles during a tournament.”
