The Corona turbulence surrounding the DFB team has made Joachim Löw’s planned farewell on the sidelines of the Liechtenstein international in Wolfsburg a marginal aspect. His old companions, however, are looking forward to the reunion – under 2G conditions.
Hansi Flick had to answer all kinds of questions the day before the international match against Liechtenstein. He found an answer to most of them, often a clear one, sometimes an evasive one. Only once did he have to pass – when asked when his predecessor and one-time boss Joachim Löw, who will officially bid farewell on Thursday, is expected in Wolfsburg. “I can’t say,” Flick admitted, looking sideways in search of help at DFB staff member Uli Voigt, who was chairing the press conference, and then apologising: “We’re concentrating on tomorrow’s game. Jogi knows from his own experience how important it is to be focused there. “
Spalier stand for the world champion coach
Now the DFB team does not have a World Cup final to play, but a match against – excuse me – football dwarf Liechtenstein, which is of no sporting significance in view of the fact that qualification for the World Cup has already been confirmed. But there were also plenty of peripheral issues that the national coach had to deal with in the past few days: the Corona case of Niklas Süle, the quarantine order for four more national players, injuries, additional nominations, changed protocols … Flick’s predecessor Löw must be at least secretly pleased not to have to bother with all that any more. That way, the obligatory espresso can be enjoyed a good deal more.
26,000 fans in Wolfsburg, who were lured by the prospect of a few goals and a DFB jersey, should provide a dignified setting for the farewell to the long-time national coach and 2014 World Cup winner. Numerous companions – such as Sami Khedira, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski – will stand guard on the pitch, while many others will actively try not to produce any more negative headlines by defeating Liechtenstein. Many of the current coaching and support staff have worked with Löw for a long time, and most of the players in the current squad made their debuts under the 61-year-old, who handed over his post to Flick – his former assistant – after the Euros in the summer.
Müller and the interest in Löw’s future
“Many who are here feel great gratitude towards Jogi,” Flick said on Wednesday. “The call from him changed my life at the time. Many feel the same way I do.” Löw was “extraordinary” as a person and a role model, “because he never passed on the pressure, that was his great strength”. And Flick wanted to thank him again for that on Thursday evening. Over a glass of red wine after the game – among those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered. In contrast to the game on the pitch, the 2G rule applies to the official celebrations.
Thomas Müller, who made 106 of his 108 international appearances under Löw so far, will also be there. “I’m looking forward to the reunion,” the Munich man said on Wednesday. “We have a lot in common. Sportingly, there have been highs, but also lows. It’s especially the interpersonal encounters and experiences that will be remembered.” The FC Bayern joker is sure to ask what Löw’s next move will be. Is the former national coach retiring? Will he continue to work as a coach? Or will he perhaps take on other responsibilities in football? “I’m curious and interested,” Müller admitted. So small talk topics away from Corona seem to be available.
