Löw: You Can't Beat Spain With Traditional Qualities

Former Germany national team coach Joachim Löw assessed the current state of the country's football in an interview with kicker. The 66-year-old coach stressed that fundamental changes are needed in many areas, from playing culture to the training of players.

Löw said that after years of setbacks, Germany, which aims to return to the top of world football under Jürgen Klopp, needs more than fighting spirit and tactical adjustments. In his view, the problem in some positions is not mindset or tactics but quality itself. He noted that other countries are ahead of Germany individually when it comes to finding solutions during a match.

Löw cited world and European champion Spain as an example. He pointed out that Spain under Luis de la Fuente stands out with its attacking football and conceded only one goal throughout the World Cup. Löw said that Germany cannot beat Spain relying only on the traditional strengths of German football, and that this would be a mistake. He added that Argentina, a model for mentality, had faced a similar situation.

Löw argued that German football must take more initiative in the future and produce an entertaining style of play, and he also criticized Bundesliga clubs. Stating that creativity and courage must be both developed and demanded, Löw said he has seen many teams that react to the opponent's game and does not welcome this. He also argued that there are problems in the development of young players and said clubs should build a shared and lasting playing philosophy. Noting that some clubs have changed 15 head coaches in a decade, each with different approaches and philosophies, he questioned where the continuity in player development lies.