Low on verge of securing new Germany contract

Posted Monday, October 14, 2013 by Goal.com

The Mannschaft boss is closing in on a new deal but is wary that only results can guarantee him security in the role after securing the nation's passage to the World Cup

Joachim Low has suggested that he is close to signing a contract extension that will see him continue as Germany coach past the 2014 World Cup.

Die Mannschaft booked their place in Brazil after a 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland on Friday, and despite his current deal expiring after next summer's tournament, Low expects to pen a new agreement when he meets with German Football Association (DFB) officials before the end of the October.

"I will have a conversation again in the coming weeks with DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach and general secretary Helmut Sandrock," Low told Bild. "It may be that we have agreed [a new contract] on October 24."

However, Low is aware that he cannot rest on his laurels and that his longevity in the role is still down to results, pointing to the fate of former Netherlands boss Bert van Marwijk, who was sacked following a poor showing at Euro 2012, to emphasise his point.

"When you are knocked out as Holland were at the last European Championship, going home after the first round without winning, then we probably are all aware of the fact that there will have to be a change – from both my side and the officials' side, as we are not naive," he explained to the Cologne Sunday Express.

Low also hinted that there could be call-ups for Borussia Dortmund pair Roman Weidenfeller and Kevin Grosskreutz in time for Germany's upcoming friendly against Italy in Milan.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper has never been capped for the senior national team, while Grosskreutz has not been called up since 2011, but with both players in impressive form for BVB this season, Low revealed that there will be plenty of time for that to change.

"With Roman Weidenfeller, we have been looking at him for quite some time, we know about his outstanding performances, so this is definitely a consideration," he added.

"We have already discussed Grosskreutz. If he plays at the level he has shown, against Marseille for example, it can again be an issue for us."

Germany wrap up their qualification campaign on Tuesday when they face Sweden in Solna.