By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Ahead of Germany's curtain-raiser in the newly-formed Nations League against France, Joachim Loew has praised the outstanding quality of the 2018 world champions.
The 58-year-old said the French style is an example to follow for the 2014 World Cup winner after its early group exit in Russia. France was the best team over the past two to three years Loew said.
"They have the best balance in all parts as well in their defense and attack," Loew emphasized.
The coach announced his German team will adjust its tactical system and use key parts of the French strategy. The entire team is expected to defend without neglecting their attack. Loew said French football is a shining example when it comes to a dynamic transitional game.
"Like no other team, France manages to get the right players into the right spaces. They deserved to win the 2018 World Cup," Loew commented.
France was ready for a major title, Loew said despite having lost the 2016 European Championship final to Portugal. "They were ready in 2016, and after all, they won the title in 2018," Loew said.
According to the German coach, Germany is no longer "always the big favorite". The former striker said the role of his side has changed. The German team has other matters on its agenda. "We know we have to deliver better results. We are aiming for Euro 2020 and want to make up for the disappointing performance in Russia," Loew continued.
The German coach said it is his team's obligation to "again light the fire" and satisfy fans' expectations. To strengthen the team's discipline Loew has reintroduced a nightly curfew. Germany is facing a restart and it is naive to think the relationship can be repaired in only two games.
After France this Thursday, Germany will take on Peru on Sunday evening in a friendly. The German team went through intense discussions about their tactical approach and their general performance.
Loew emphasized that a mixture of established performers and youngsters will do the job. The newcomers Nico Schulz (TSG Hoffenheim), Thilo Kehrer (Paris St Germain) and Kai Harvertz (Bayer Leverkusen) will get a chance in the next two games to prove their skills.
As for the new team tactics, Loew announced that the left and right back will change their roles and won't operate as far forward as before. "We will interpret the role of several positions differently. Defending the goal and not allowing any space for our opponents is one of the main tasks," Loew said.
The German coach said he does not mind the pressure being on him. As a national team coach pressure is always a constant factor. "The pressure does not affect me and is not throwing me off track," Loew stressed. He said it is important to admit mistakes and afterward look forward and face new challenges.
Like Loew, Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos emphasized the need to change the tactical strategy. "We had to learn that our type of football is maybe not the most successful anymore. But not only we had to learn that but also Spain, Argentina, and other big football nations," Germany's footballer of the year for 2018 commented.
