Bierhoff: Loew decision after World Cup

PRETORIA - German football supremo Theo Zwanziger Friday expressed optimism that national team coach Joachim Loew will renew his contract after the World Cup while general manager Oliver Bierhoff said no talks on the issue have been held in South Africa.

“We have always said that we would talk about it after the tournament. We don’t know anything about the news. We have not had any talks,” Bierhoff told reporters in Erasmia, South Africa, after being asked about reports that an agreement had been reached.

But he said the focus is on Germany’s third place game against Uruguay Saturday.

“There is still an important game which we want to finish positively. And then we will need some three days off to get away from this and then look at the future.”

“There is no deal. But the chances are good because the coach knows that we are behind him,” Zwanziger told Germany’s ARD television.

“We have had a great youth sector for years and excellent opportunities for the future. This something that should interest an ambitious coach like him.”

The Bild daily reported that Loew, who was promoted from assistant after the 2006 World Cup when Juergen Klinsmann stepped down, will stay on until Euro 2012.

Loew has so far not talked about his future after contract talks broke down in February. But Zwanziger has said throughout the World Cup he wants Loew to stay and the young team, which has impressed so much in South Africa en route to the semi-finals, also wants him to continue.

“I haven’t talked to Jogi (Loew) about it. But it can’t go on too long. But I think there will be a couple days to come back down. But we do not have a set time period,” said Bierhoff.

The DFB hopes for a final decision before the end of the month with the first post-World Cup game, a friendly with Denmark, set for August 11. Euro 2012 qualifying then starts in September.

A difficulty could arise from the staff around Loew, according to Bild. Bierhoff has tied his future to Loew’s, but if he stays on it would continue a difficult relationship he has with sports director Matthias Sammer.