The German coach Joachim Löw stated on Monday that he could once again count on some of the veteran World Cup champions in 2014, excluded by the Mannschaft's coach, for the next summer Eurocup "for the good of the national team".
In his first press conference after the debacle against Spain, a 6-0 defeat on November 17 in the last match of the Nations League, the coach had to respond to the question that has divided Germans for almost two years: should players like Thomas Müller, Jérôme Boateng (both from Bayern Munich), and Mats Hummels (Dortmund) return to the national team in 2019 to make way for young players, despite performing at a high level with their clubs?
"At the moment, I don't see the reason," Löw began, in line with what he has defended since making the decision, although shortly afterwards he added: "I have always said that if I see, before announcing the squad (for the Eurocup), that this team needs this or that player to win, we will call them. I will do everything possible for the good of the national team."
Löw, who admitted he has not contacted the veterans, insisted that his objective is to give young players time to develop in the national team and that he will only resort to the "old" players in case of poor collective performance.
"I currently have no idea what the situation will be in March," the date of the next international match window. "I hope the players are in good health, without injuries" and that when he has to give the final list for the continental tournament, "everything will be questioned, every option will be studied, and the best decision will be made to succeed."
In the press conference, Löw expressed his displeasure with the German Football Association (DFB) and its president Fritz Keller for the information published by the press after the debacle in Seville, where the continuity of the coach was questioned.
"Things that are discussed internally should remain internal," said Löw, who on November 30 was confirmed as the German coach until at least the next Eurocup. (D)