Joachim Löw to remain Germany coach through 2022

The future of Joachim Löw was uncertain, but the veteran coach indicated that he will return to lead Germany through 2022 per multiple reports.

Both SportBild and SkySports are among the news outlets reporting the decision.

Per SportBild, Löw feels he has the backing from the DFB, which made him more secure with his decision.

Already at his contract extension until 2022 in mid-May, Löw had assured the DFB board that he would continue in any case, regardless of the outcome of the tournament. Löw feels bound to this word, especially as DFB President Reinhard Grindel had expressed his confidence in him on the night after the defeat against South Korea on the return flight to Moscow. This gesture also influenced Löw positively in his decision.

According to SkySports, Grindel views Löw as an integral figure in leading the transition to a new group of German players that will be the core of the 2022 squad.

We decided in the DFB executive committee before the World Cup to offer a contract extension. We believe there will be a transition that will take place after the World Cup, regardless of the outcome of the tournament, and no one is better equipped to handle that than Jogi Löw.

The planning for 2022 will commence even before this World Cup is over. Every aspect of the German system will likely be under review, from players to tactics to development as Löw leads the next generation of German talent.

Löw’s management of the squad will be closely monitored over the next four years. While the transition of players is key, Löw, himself, must be held accountable for some of the lineups, tactics, and decision-making that spelled doom for Die Mannschaft in this World Cup.

Where there was once some leeway to accept Löw’s quirks, Germany fans and players will have less tolerance for the veteran coach if he cannot instill a confidence and urgency within the squad’s play. Löw will also be scrutinized on whether he has the self-control to prevent his own ego from getting in the way of what is best for the team.

It will surely be an interesting period for German soccer.

UPDATE (8:06AM EST): Germany makes it official as well.