Germany boss Loew calls for more respect

Germany coach Joachim Loew said Tuesday he expected to be shown more respect by Bundesliga coaches over who he selected in the national squad ahead of the friendly against South Africa.

Loew opted to leave out Werder Bremen’s goalkeeper Tim Weise and Bayer Leverkusen striker Stefan Kiessling for Saturday’s friendly with South Africa and next Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan in Hanover.

Both decisions drew heavy criticism from the respective clubs concerned, but with an eye on next year’s World Cup in South Africa, Loew called for more understanding and less questioning of his decisions.

“We expect from the club coaches and managers that they respect our decisions, just as we respect theirs,” said Loew at a press conference in Cologne.

“We carry the responsibility and the consequences of all our decisions and we know all our decisions are accountable for.”

Loew has said any players not selected for the next two games stand to be given their opportunity later in the season before next June’s World Cup in South Africa.

Germany captain Michael Ballack sat out training on Tuesday with a groin strain, as did Werder Bremen’s Mesut Oezil who has a knee injury.

Likewise, striker Lukas Podolski has a knee injury, but all are expected to be back in training by Thursday at the latest.

“I assume they will train by Thursday at the latest without problems,” said Loew.

Having struggled to a 2-0 win over minnows Azerbaijan in Baku last month, Loew repeated his call for a raised standard against the South Africans on Saturday and the return leg against Azerbaijan in Hanover on September 9.

“I was also not content with our achievements in the last few games,” admitted Loew.

“We have to fine-tune our performances and work on the harmony in our play.”

A win over Russia in the World Cup qualifier in Moscow on October 10 will guarantee Germany a berth at next year’s World Cup, but Loew says it is too early to think of the game.

But with a healthy lead at the top of Group Four over the Russians, Loew knows Germany’s path to South Africa lies in their own hands.

“With 19 from a 21 possible points we are on target for the World Cup qualification,” he said.

“We know that we disappointed in the last few games and didn’t play to our potential.

“Against South Africa and Azerbaijan we want to dominate and exert our authority, I am sure we will do that.”