体坛英语新闻：Loew to remain Germany's head coach

BERLIN, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Joachim Loew will fulfill his running contract and remain in charge as Germany's head coach, the German FA (DFB) confirmed in an official statement on Tuesday.

Despite the disappointing group-stage exit by the 2014 FIFA World Cup champions, the DFB and head coach Loew agreed to fulfill the running contract until 2022.

"We had very open and trusting talks in which we addressed several issues. We are all firmly convinced that our national coach Joachim Loew will analyse the events of the past days very carefully. He will take the right steps and lead our team back on track," Germany FA president Reinhard Grindl said.

Germany surprisingly crashed out in the group phase after losing to Mexico and South Korea, finishing bottom of the group. Hence, doubts about Loew's future raised.

"I am very grateful for the trust that the DFB places in me. Despite the criticism due to our exit I feel a lot of support and encouragement. My disappointment is still huge but now I want to shape and rebuild the squad with full commitment," Loew said.

The 58-year-old coach, who has been in charge since July 2006, is about to equal Sepp Herberger's record of 169 matches as Germany coach. The former Freiburg player led Germany to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia.

"I am pleased that we can continue our long successful path with Joachim Loew. I have the confidence that together we get back to our old strength," Germany's team captain Manuel Neuer added.

Germany host France for the first round of the UEFA Nations League on September 6.