Germany coach Joachim Low has confirmed Bayern Munich trio Thomas Muller, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels will no longer be selected for the national team.
Low’s decision, revealed ahead of a meeting with Serbia later this month, was backed by DFB president Reinhard Grindel.
What factors led to Low’s decision? Five key things to know…
- Low’s job security was heavily scrutinised after Germany’s woeful display at the 2018 World Cup.
- The 59-year-old held onto his job but couldn’t save Germany from relegation in the UEFA Nations League.
- The team that struggled in both tournaments was primarily made up of players who were part of the 2014 World Cup-winning side.
- Many of those players have now been deemed past their best and there have been calls for a new generation to be brought through.
- Low’s statement has effectively forced Muller, Boateng and Hummels into international retirement.
Muller, 29, has made 100 appearances for his country, scoring 38 goals and playing a key role in the 2014 World Cup success.
Boateng and Hummels, both 30, have a combined 146 international caps. Lowe thanked all three players for their commitment to the national team.
“2019 is the year of the new start for the German national football team,” Low said, according to a post on the German FA’s website. “It was important to me personally to explain my thoughts and plans to the players and managers of FC Bayern.”
Low thanked the trio “for many successful, extraordinary and unique years together”.
He then said it is time to “set the course for the future, we want to give the team a new face and I am convinced that this is the right step. The young national players will have the space they need to fully develop, and now they have to take responsibility.”
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DFB president Grindel added: “I welcome the fact that Jogi Low is now furthering the change of our national team. The start of qualifying for the EURO 2020 is the right time for personnel changes.
“Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Thomas Muller played a key role in making us 2014 world champions. The DFB will always be grateful to the players.”
Boateng “would have liked” a final farewell for Germany
Boateng all but confirmed his international retirement on Twitter following Low’s announcement, voicing his regret he wasn’t able to be given a final farewell in a Germany shirt.
“I have always been extremely proud to be able to wear the national team jersey and will never forget the summer of 2014,” he wrote. “Still, of course, I would have liked to see another farewell for us.
“Good luck of the team for the future! @DFB_Team.”
Is this the right time?
Although Low managed to keep his job following the disastrous World Cup campaign last summer, pressure continues to mount on the German.
Relegation in the UEFA Nations League saw Germany’s reputation take another hit, and it appears to have provoked Low to make a significant change.
The decision to drop Muller, Boateng and Hummels will rid the team of some vital experience, but something clearly hasn’t been working with the older heads in the side.
With that in mind, Low’s timing is logical, but whether it will turn out to be the right choice remains to be seen.
Germany face Serbia in Wolfsburg on March 20.
The post Boateng, Hummels and Muller axed as Löw declares “new start” for German football appeared first on Squawka News.
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