German coach rejects Euro 2012 criticism by media

WARSAW, POLAND – JUNE 28: In this handout image provided by UEFA, Coach Joachim Loew of Germany talks to the media after the UEFA EURO 2012 Semi Final match between Germany and Italy on June 28, 2012 in Warsaw, Poland. (Photo by Handout/UEFA via Getty Images)

Berlin, Aug 14 (IANS) Germany’s coach Joachim Loew has criticised the media coverage as “tiresome” and “unrewarding” after his side’s 1-2 loss to Italy at the Euro 2012 semi-finals.

The 52-year-old took over the charge of the German national team after the World Cup in 2006 to restructure it, bringing in young talented players. Gradually the team performed well to finish second at the Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland and third at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Germany were one of the favourites at the Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine, but they were unexpectedly knocked out in the semi-finals by Italy.

“After the World Cup in South Africa we wanted to form a team that can win a title. Therefore, the defeat in the semi-finals to Italy was particularly painful,” Loew told a press conference Monday.

The semi-final loss led to a widespread criticism of the team’s performance and concept.

Loew rejected the criticism and affirmed that he will not shift his concept of the squad.

“Before the Italy loss, we won 15 matches in a row, which is a world record. Therefore, we will absolutely stick to our long-term concept. Of course, I accept the sporting criticism and with all humility I will try to draw lessons from it, but some of the criticism is indeed unrewarding.”

Nonetheless, the Germany coach is looking forward to the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

“The anticipation is great. We have set high expectation with our style of play,” Loew added.

Germany will host Argentina in a friendly Wednesday in Frankfurt.