Bayern Munich have launched a broadside towards Joachim Low after the Germany coach prematurely ended the international careers of three of their stars.
The Bavarian giants are incensed at the timing of Low’s decision to axe Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Thomas Muller from future International selection on the eve of their Champions League round-of-16 second leg clash against Liverpool.
Why has Low called time on three of his star payers? Five key things to know…
- Low came under intense criticism following a humiliating group stage exit at the World Cup last summer.
- The German was condemned for leaving Leroy Sane at home and selecting familiar players.
- The 59-year-old stayed at the helm but Germany suffered relegation in the UEFA Nations League shortly after.
- Boateng, Hummels and Muller were at the core of both squads and have come under the spotlight for their performances.
- As such, Low has decided to look towards younger players and build for the future.
Low made the decision, which was backed by DFB president Reinhard Grindel, in an effort to turn around the nation’s fortunes after an abysmal World Cup and UEFA Nations League campaign.
Boateng, Hummels and Muller were all members of the 2014 World Cup winning squad and are still in the prime years of their respected careers, with no player over the age of 30, but Low has decided to head in a new direction.
In retaliation, Bayern have now hit back for the manner in which the decision came about, coming as the club are preparing to face Liverpool in the Champions League, with the score level at 0-0 from the first leg.
In a statement, Bayern said: “National coach Joachim Low has decided not to consider our players Thomas Muller, Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng in the future.
Thomas Müller, Jérôme Boateng and Mats Hummels for the German National Team:
Thomas Müller
100 games
38 goals
1 World Cup
Jérôme Boateng
Mats Hummels
The end of an era.
pic.twitter.com/9HOBuxeyYB
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 5, 2019
“Basically, we do not comment on sporting decisions of the national coach, the nomination of the squad of the national team is solely the responsibility of Joachim Low.
“However, we believe the timing and circumstances of the announcement of this decision to the players and to the public is questionable. The last international match of the German national team took place on 19 November 2018.
“The fact that the players and the public were informed three months later, just ahead of important matches for FC Bayern next Saturday in the fight for the Bundesliga title against VfL Wolfsburg and a few days before the decisive second leg in the round of 16 of the Champions League next Wednesday against Liverpool, irritates us.
“In addition, we were surprised that this was done yesterday in the context of an unannounced visit by Joachim Low and Oliver Bierhoff (Director National Teams and Academy) at Bayern.
“Muller (100 caps), Hummels (70) and Boateng (76) have completed 246 internationals for the German national team, they have had an extremely successful decade of the DFB crowned by winning the world title in 2014 as an absolute highlight.
“FC Bayern have great respect for the athletic merits of Thomas, Mats and Jerome for the national team and German football.”
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Jerome Boateng speaks out as Low ends Bayern star’s Germany career
Shortly after Low announced his decision to take the club into a new era, Boateng gave his two cents on the cull, believing he still has a lot to offer for the national team and that he would like to continue playing.
There German centre-back has amassed 76 caps for Die Mannschaft and further declared his pride for wearing the badge, but has ultimately lamented the decision.
He said: “Joachim Low informed me today in a sincere conversation that I will not continue to be part of the DFB team, he would like to offer young players the stage for the future and a new face especially with regard to the upcoming tournaments of the team.
“I was young myself and reliant on older players making way for me. Personally, I am convinced that I can continue to play at the highest level and will continue to show that in the future. I will always look back on the time in the DFB team with great pleasure.
“I have always been extremely proud to be able to wear the national team jersey and will never forget the summer of 2014. Still, of course, I would have liked to see another farewell for us.
“Good luck of the team for the future!”
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