Loew to stay on as Germany coach

FRANKFURT, Germany — World Cup winner Joachim Loew will remain the Germany coach through the 2016 European Championship in France.

There was speculation Loew might step down after Germany lifted its fourth World Cup title with a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final in Rio de Janeiro 10 days ago, although Loew’s contract was extended well before the tournament.

“At the moment, I can imagine nothing more beautiful than to continue working with this team, to guide it to the European Championship in France, to develop the team and the individual players further,” Loew said in an interview published on Wednesday on the German Football Federation (DFB) website.

“I am as motivated as I was on the first day with DFB. We celebrated a gigantic success in Brazil but there are other goals that we want to achieve. The World Cup 2014 was a highlight for all, but it was not a conclusion.”

Loew said he needed some time to come to terms with his emotions after the World Cup but had not thought “even for a second” about stepping down.

Loew has been with the DFB since 2004, and head coach since 2006, but had never won a title until the triumph in Brazil.

Germany and Argentina have a rematch in a friendly in Duesseldorf on Sept. 3, before Germany kicks off qualifying for Euro 2016 against Scotland four days later.

Before then, the 54-year-old Loew will have to find an assistant coach and a new captain. Hansi Flick, his assistant throughout his tenure, is to be the technical director at DFB. Philipp Lahm, captain since 2010, surprisingly ended his Germany career as soon as the team returned home.

Lahm informed him about his decision to retire from internationals on the morning after the final, Loew said, calling it a great loss for the team.

“I could not have wished for a better captain, he did an outstanding job influencing, leading and presenting the team,” Loew said. “I regret that he will not return but I accept and respect his decision.”