Germany coach Loew skips prematch news conference ahead of England match

Germany coach Loew skips news conference

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa — Germany coach Joachim Loew skipped a news conference on the eve of his team’s second-round clash with England.

Loew’s team trained at a university Saturday because FIFA did not allow either team to train at the Free State Stadium to preserve the pitch.

Germany’s goalkeeping coach Andreas Koepke was the only one to show up with team officials. FIFA rules call for the head coach and a player to be present.

German team officials dismissed suggestions that Loew’s absence was a protest at not being able to train at the stadium.