Joachim Löw responds to Lothar Matthäus’ criticism of German national team

Joachim Löw is a polarizing man. You either love him and are holding onto the 2014 World Cup, or you used to love him and now you want him as far away from the German team as possible. Many fans have been very vocal in their outcries for the sacking of Jogi over the past two years.

National team legend Lothar Matthäus recently gave his two cents on the matter after Germany disappointed once again in a 3-3 draw in a friendly with Turkey on Wednesday.

“The fans want to see the first team, not just substitute players, many of whom aren’t even starting for their respective clubs,” Matthäus told Sky Germany. He is of course pointing out players like Nico Schulz and Antonio Rüdiger who consistently start for Germany yet are second or third choices at their clubs. The decorated midfielder also pointed out that Die Mannschaft had now squandered a lead for the fifth time in their last three games. This was painful to watch as Turkey equalized the score three times on Wednesday by responding quickly just minutes after each of Germany’s goals.

Löw mentioned before the Germans clashed with Ukraine on Saturday, “I think Lothar is in Tuscany with his 90s world champions. I think that’s quite good for me, then this time he won’t be able to express the criticism so directly.” The implication is that Löw is suggesting that he might receive less criticism pending the result of Saturday’s fixture because Matthäus and the 1990 World Cup champions would be too busy celebrating the 30th anniversary of their triumph.

After Germany’s 2-1 win over Ukraine, Löw was more pacifying and told BILD the following.

“I’m not angry with Lothar either. Lothar is someone who has been analyzing games for a long time, has been around for a long time. In principle, I absolutely value Lothar’s opinion. He also has very good thoughts,” said Löw.

Löw clearly states that he values Der Panzer’s opinion yet he has stuck with his words and continued to exclude players like Thomas Müller from the squad, despite their red hot form.

Does Löw have a master plan that we have yet to see the rewards redeemed from? Or is his time managing this squad in its dying days? Lothar has long been an open critic of Löw’s managerial work and is not afraid to speak his mind. Has he got it right this time? Matthäus himself hasn’t always been flawless in his remarks towards the national team.