Germany football national team coach Joachim Loew seemed to have regained his poise as he faced the media Monday ahead of a match against France, just two days after being on the receiving end of a humiliating defeat to Netherlands
“I can handle criticism very well,” Loew said at a press conference ahead of Tuesday’s Nations League game against the world champions at the Stade de France.
After Germany lost 3-0 to the Netherlands on Saturday, Loew had seemed irritated and flustered as he refused to answer questions from German media about his future.
That loss left Germany bottom of their Nations League group, fuelling questions about whether he should have retained his job after the humiliating early exit from the World Cup.
“Of course, the defeat in the Netherlands has done a lot of damage, to the staff, the players and most of all the fans,” Loew said on Monday.
“It’s not really surprising to me. After the World Cup, it is a process we have to manage. There will be setbacks or defeats. I am not too surprised about that.
“It’s normal for me to be criticised, but I can handle criticism very well. I’ve spoken with the president (of the federation), it’s clear that we have to stick together.
“Criticism from the outside does not bother me. It is important that I motivate my players against France. I can easily forget the criticism and remain 100 percent focused.”
Defeat on Tuesday would leave Germany on the verge of relegation to the B division of the Nations League. It would also be a sixth in 2018, a German record in a calendar year.
“We have nothing to lose against the world champions,” Loew said. “We are here to take the three points.”
“We want to play boldly against the world champions. As for the players, of course, if you suffer a 3-0 defeat, you have to make changes. One thing I can tell you is that Neuer will be in goal… “
