In 2014, Joachim Löw led Germany to a World Cup victory and played a pivotal role in convincing Jamal Musiala to choose Germany over England. Löw’s promise to Musiala ensured his inclusion in Euro 2021, despite the team’s disappointing exit. Reflecting on his career, Löw cherishes the team spirit that fueled their World Cup success and admires the current progress of VfB Stuttgart under coach Sebastian Hoeneß. Looking ahead, he is focused on developing young talent rather than returning to Bundesliga coaching.
In 2014, Joachim Löw guided Germany to clinch the World Cup title. By 2021, he concluded his role as the national coach, yet he played a crucial role in persuading Jamal Musiala to represent Germany instead of England. What led to this pivotal decision?
During the thrilling 7:0 triumph of the German national team over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Nations League, Jogi Löw watched from the stands. Jamal Musiala netted the first goal, a player who might have donned the England jersey if not for Löw’s intervention.
The Musiala Dilemma: Germany vs. England
Alongside Florian Wirtz, Musiala has become a central figure in Germany’s attacking strategy. Löw laid the groundwork for this, as Musiala holds dual citizenship with England and Germany. ‘He was raised in England, made lifelong friends there, and played extensively, completing his entire training. He was contemplating whether to represent England or Germany,’ Löw reminisces. However, in the spring of 2021, the then 18-year-old was persuaded by Löw with a remarkable promise: ‘We traveled to Munich to speak with him and his mother. Jamal was the only player to whom I made a promise as the national coach because I needed to win him over.’ Specifically, Löw assured him that even though he wasn’t a regular starter at FC Bayern Munich, he would be part of the Euro 2021 squad if he chose Germany. And indeed, that promise came to fruition.
Löw’s Tension Post-DFB Departure
The Euro didn’t unfold as hoped, culminating in a round of 16 exit against England. Löw had previously announced his resignation, but finding peace was a challenge: ‘I felt much more tense than when I was on the sidelines. At home, I was anxious, constantly thinking about being in meetings, with the team, or in the locker room. It took about a year before that feeling subsided, allowing for a bit more distance and separation.’
The Key to World Cup Glory: Team Spirit
Löw fondly reminisces about the World Cup victory in 2014: ‘We toiled hard and put in a lot of effort. We were an exceptional team with a fantastic spirit. The mantra of ‘One for all, all for one’ was truly embodied during that World Cup and in Campo Bahia.’
The 7:1 Against Brazil: The Ultimate Match?
Arguably, the highlight of his coaching career was the astounding 7:1 semifinal victory over Brazil. One might think it was a flawless performance: ‘No, it wasn’t perfect. I recently watched the match from the 30th to 70th minute, during which we were definitely not at our best. We squandered numerous opportunities. I thought to myself: My goodness, we could have created even more chances.’
Löw’s Admiration for Hoeneß and VfB Stuttgart
As a spectator, Jogi Löw now revels in football, including watching VfB Stuttgart, where he coached from 1996 to 1998. He praises the current success of the team, crediting coach Sebastian Hoeneß: ‘He is incredibly innovative, creative, and encourages tactical solutions. This is evident at VfB. Previously, the team often found itself in relegation battles, and their style of play was lacking. Now, they have significantly improved their footballing performance.’
What Lies Ahead for Löw?
What are Jogi Löw’s future aspirations? He firmly dismisses the idea of returning to a coaching role in the Bundesliga: ‘I will always be connected with national teams. However, I have several promising ideas for club development, particularly focused on nurturing young talent. I believe there’s still considerable potential for growth in Germany.’
Broadcast on Sun., 17.11.2024, 21:45, SWR Sport, SWR