Joachim Low to quit as Germany manager after Euro 2020 finals

The 61-year-old, who took over from Klinnsmann in 2006, guided Germans to World Cup glory in 2014

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  Germany manager Joachim Low celebrates after winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Reuters

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  Germany manager Joachim Low celebrates after the 2014 World Cup final win over Argentina. AFP

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  Germany manager Joachim Loew celebrates with his players after beating Argentina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. AFP

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  Left to right: Andreas Koepke, Joachim Low and Hansi Flick celebrating during a victory parade in Berlin after winning the 2014 World Cup. AFP

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  Joachim Low with the World Cup in 2014. AFP

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  Joachim Low during Germany's defeat to Spain in the Euro 2008 final in Austria. AFP

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  Spanish players applaud Joachim Loew after the Euro 2008 final. AFP

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  Germany manager Joachim Low during the third-place play-off against Uruguay at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Germany won the match 3-2. AFP

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  Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann alongside his assistant Joachim Low at the 2006 World Cup. EPA

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  Joachim Low during the 2010 World Cup semi-final against Spain in Durban. Germany lost the game 1-0. AFP

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  Joachim Low during Germany's group-stage defeat against Mexico at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Reuters

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  Joachim Low during Germany's group-stage defeat against South Korea at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Reuters

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  Joachim Low during a training session at the 2018 soccer World Cup in Russia. AP

Joachim Low will step down from his role as Germany manager following Euro 2020 after asking to end his contract early.

Low, 61, took over from Jurgen Klinsmann in August 2006 and went on to guide Die Mannschaft to World Cup success in 2014, when they memorably defeated hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals.

Germany reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016, losing to hosts France, but then suffered an exit at the group stage of the World Cup for the first time in 2018, while also failing to impress in the inaugural Uefa Nations League campaign.

His team suffered a 6-0 thrashing by Spain in November last year, Germany's heaviest loss in 89 years.

Low, who was assistant to Klinsmann from 2004, had been contracted until the 2022 World Cup, but approached the German Football Association (DFB) to request an early departure following the conclusion of this summer's delayed tournament.

"I take this step very consciously, full of pride and enormous gratitude, but at the same time continue to be very motivated when it comes to the upcoming European Championship tournament," Low said in a statement.

"Proud because it is something very special and an honour for me to be involved in my country and because I have been able to work with the best footballers in the country for almost 17 years and support them in their development.

"I have great triumphs with them and painful defeats, but above all many wonderful and magical moments – not just winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"I am and will remain grateful to the DFB, which has always provided me and the team with an ideal working environment."

Low's brand of football turned Germany into an attack-minded and highly skilled team in contrast to the past image of the hard-working Germans who made up for their lack of skills with raw power and determination.

An exciting semi-final run with big wins over England and Argentina at the 2010 World Cup were the first clear signs of Loew's style that would conquer the world four years later.

Their 7-1 demolition of hosts Brazil in the semi-final of the 2014 tournament stunned the football world and was arguably the best performance by Loew's team with its quick passing style that dismantled the Brazilian defence in a sensational first half.

"The DFB knows what it has in Jogi, he is one of the greatest coaches in world football," DFB president Fritz Keller said.

"Jogi Low has had German football like no other for years, not only because of his sporting achievements, but also because of his empathy and humanity.

"The fact that he informed us about his decision at an early stage is very decent. He gives us the DFB the necessary time, calmly and a sense of proportion to name his successor."

Germany face France, Hungary and Poland in their Euro group matches in June.