Germany high on Löw

Joachim Löw's appointment as Germany coach immediately after Jürgen Klinsmann's departure surprised few people. His promotion on a two-year contract, at the age of 46, came just three days after the end of the FIFA World Cup, where he had played a major role in helping the host nation finish third and win widespread respect for their attacking football. Klinsmann had already stated that former midfielder Löw, his assistant for all of his two years in charge, had heavily influenced tactics and lineups, and was a major force behind the offensive approach. Now Löw is in position to build on Klinsmann's success.

'Modern methods'
"The board is keen to maintain the philosophy instilled by Klinsmann, with modern methods and an attacking style of play, so we have followed [national team manager] Oliver Bierhoff's suggestion to continue this work with Joachim Löw," German Football Association vice-president Theo Zwanziger said. "Our goal is clear and simple - we want to win [UEFA] EURO 2008."

'Respect'
A big ambition, maybe, but one Germany's World Cup heroes are backing Löw to achieve. "It's a pity Klinsmann's not staying," captain Michael Ballack said. "We had a very successful run and we had lots of fun as well. I fully respect his decision. But I am delighted we have a new coach in Joachim Löw who knows the team and who can continue the work we have started."

'Tactical knowledge'
Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann added: "I am sorry that Jürgen Klinsmann is stepping down because he has rejuvenated the national team and given it new enthusiasm. It is a logical decision to let Joachim Löw continue the good work. I rate his previous work and his tactical knowledge very highly. It is a clear signal to the team that the playing style, which has won much acclaim during the World Cup, is to be continued."

Experience
Löw played for VfB Stuttgart, SC Freiburg and Eintracht Frankfurt, making 57 Bundesliga appearances as well as 181 in the second division. He hung up his boots in the summer of 1995, by which time he had already been coaching part-time at Swiss side FC Winterthur. He took the Stuttgart helm in July 1995 and steered them to the 1996/97 German Cup. The following season, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final was lost 1-0 to Chelsea FC. He then won the Austrian championship with FC Wacker Tirol [then FC Tirol Innsbruck] in 2001/02 before a spell at FK Austria Wien. He also had stints in Turkey with Fenerbahçe SK and Adanaspor AS.

Youth emphasis
The Schonau-born trainer, nicknamed 'Jogi', is widely regarded for his innovative training techniques and ability to work with players and fellow coaches, as shown by his partnership with Klinsmann. "He has always been much more than an assistant to me," Klinsmann said. Löw, too, clearly profited from the partnership. "We were strong and a very, very good team," he said. In stepping up to the top job, Löw revealed he takes most satisfaction from seeing young players fulfil their potential. Following the progress of Lukas Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger at the World Cup, the future looks bright.