Football: Loew on exit: "Right time to pass on the baton to another coach"

Germany coach Joachim Loew decided to step aside earlier than expected after being given time during the coronavirus pandemic to reflect on his tenure. The 61-year-old Loew said leaving after the European Championship this summer, instead of after the World Cup next year, will give his successor the time to prepare for Euro 2024 in Germany. Loew took over Germany after serving as assistant coach to Jürgen Klinsmann at the 2006 World Cup, and is one of the longest-serving coaches of a national team. He has been in charge for 189 games. He led Germany to the 2014 World Cup title, but has been under increasing scrutiny as results suffered following a shake up of the team after the 2018 World Cup, which Germany exited in the first round.