DUESSELDORF: Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was named captain of the national team on Tuesday, succeeding Bayern Munich team mate Philipp Lahm, who retired from international football following their World Cup victory in Brazil in July.
The 30-year-old Schweinsteiger, who has won 108 caps and scored 23 goals for Germany, will not lead the team in Wednesday’s friendly rematch of the final against Argentina due to injury.
The Bayern Munich midfielder, who is the most experienced player in the squad since the departure of Lahm, will also miss Sunday’s Euro 2016 World Cup qualifier against Scotland.
“Bastian has always taken on responsibility when he had to. I could always rely on him,” said Germany coach Joachim Loew, who said the combative midfielder would remain captain for at least two years.
“He is very well respected in the team and among the coaching staff. His immense experience is also important.
“At the moment Bastian is injured but of course I’ve talked to him in the past few weeks. I was in Munich and his injury is not one that is going to keep him out for months.
“His big goal is Euro 2016. I could sense that he’s still bursting with ambition.”
While Wednesday’s glamour friendly against Argentina will bring back fond memories of Germany’s triumph in Brazil, Loew has already set his sights on further success.
“The next big goal for us after the final in Rio clearly has to be the European Championship final in Paris,” Loew said. “The journey already begins with the next game on Sunday against Scotland.”
Loew also said former VfB Stuttgart coach Thomas Schneider would be his new assistant, succeeding Hansi Flick, who becomes the federation’s sports director.
“I believe he’s the right man for the position,” Loew said.
Loew paid tribute to Lahm, Per Mertesacker and Miroslav Klose for their services to German football. All retired after the World Cup.
“I’d have liked to keep working with the three of them,” Loew said, “but their stepping down now gives young players the chance to establish themselves in the team.”
Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2014
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