Germany Coach Appoints New Team Captain
Following former captain Philipp Lahm’s retirement from international football, Joachim Löw fills us in on his choice for new captain.
By Samantha Khor — 02 Sep 2014, 11:33 PM — Updated about 10 years ago
In a press conference earlier today in Düsseldorf, Germany coach Joachim Löw finally names a new captain for the World Cup-winning team.
The press conference was called ahead of a friendly rematch of the World Cup final between Germany and Argentina in Düsseldorf's Esprit Stadium, barely two months after the Germans' historic World Cup win over the Albicelestes in Brazil.
As expected, midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger will take up the mantle of team captain for the German side, replacing his Bayern Munich teammate Philipp Lahm.
"I have always been able to rely on Bastian in the past," Löw said to the gathered journalists. "He has the goal of playing in the EURO 2016, and I can tell that he is motivated to perform for Germany."
dw.de"He is a legitimate replacement for Philipp. The decision was clear for me, for the next two years until the European Championships," Löw added.
dw.deSchweinsteiger has made 108 appearances for Germany since his debut in a friendly against Hungary on June 6, 2004.
usatoday.com
However, Schweinsteiger will not be leading the team in Wednesday's friendly against Argentina due to a lingering knee injury. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will lead Germany onto the pitch in his stead.
The Bayern Munich midfielder, who is the most experienced player in the squad since the departure of Lahm, will also miss Sunday’s Euro 2016 World Cup qualifier against Scotland.
theguardian.com
Löw has also appointed former VfB Stuttgart coach, Thomas Schneider as assistant coach.
Schneider replaces Hansi Flick, who gave up the position he held since 2006 to become the German football federation’s sporting director.
theguardian.com
"He brings in interesting ideas, and I like his style of football," Löw said. "I also think he will fit in with us well as a person. He speaks his mind, and he has a strong personality."
dw.deLöw also paid tribute to Philipp Lahm, Miroslav Klose, and Per Mertesacker; all of whom retired from international duty after the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
#Löw: "A big thank you to @mertesacker, Philipp #Lahm and Miro #Klose."
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"I'd have liked to keep working with the three of them," Low said, "but their stepping down now gives young players the chance to establish themselves in the team."
usatoday.com
Lahm, Klose and Mertesacker will be honoured before kickoff on Wednesday's match.