Sunday, 2 September 2018

Mimik-Experte analysiert Löw-Abrechnung, 01.09.2018

Was für eine Chance – und was für eine Gefahr!

Dass ausgerechnet Weltmeister Frankreich am Donnerstag (20.45 Uhr, ZDF) der erste deutsche Gegner nach dem historischen WM-Crash ist, ist brillant und beängstigend zugleich. Die Chance: Bundestrainer Löw und seine Russland-Touristen können gleich beweisen, dass sie etwas gelernt haben aus dem katastrophalen Scheitern. Man stelle sich vor, jetzt würde Laufkundschaft aus dem Niemandsland der Weltrangliste kommen – ein Muster ohne Wert.

Die Gefahr: Eine deftige Niederlage im ersten Spiel der „Nations League“ würde beweisen, dass die Probleme doch tiefer liegen als in Löws Analyse angedeutet. Die blieb am Mittwoch reichlich vage – ebenso wie die skizzierten Lösungen: Die eigene Spielweise müsse adaptiert werden, dozierte Löw, zudem müssen „Feuer und Leidenschaft“ im Nationalteam neu entfacht werden.

Aha!

Andererseits: Was soll er machen? Bis auf Leroy Sané waren in Russland nun einmal die besten deutschen Spieler dabei. Und das Ausscheiden mag blamabel gewesen sein, doch zuvor fünf Turniere mit mindestens einer Halbfinal-Teilnahme bleiben wuchtige Argumente für Löw. Eine neue Chance hat er also verdient. Aber hat der Bundestrainer die Zeichen der Zeit wirklich erkannt? Waren seine Ausführungen auf der Pressekonferenz glaubwürdig?

Dirk W. Eilert ist einer der führenden Experten für Mimik und Körpersprache. Für die BamS hat der Leiter der „Eilert-Akademie für emotionale Intelligenz“ Löws Auftritt bis ins Kleinste seziert, jede Geste unter die Lupe genommen.

Dirk W. Eilert (42) ist einer der führenden Experten für Mimik und Körpersprache im deutschsprachigen Raum. Er ist Buchautor („Der Liebes-Code“), gibt Kurse und hält Vorträge. In Berlin leitet er die „Eilert-Akademie für emotionale Intelligenz“

Besonders zu Anfang seiner Analyse zeigte Löw Anzeichen von Wut – vor allem auf sich selbst, sagt Eilert: „Aus der Forschung wissen wir, dass Wut Zielenergie freisetzt. Diese wird dafür verantwortlich gewesen sein, dass er nicht zurückgetreten ist, sondern weitermacht. Reine Niedergeschlagenheit und Enttäuschung hätten eher zu einem Rücktritt geführt.“

Die kurzen, aber kongruenten (immer gleichen) Anzeichen von Wut in seiner Mimik würden darauf hinweisen, dass „seine Aussagen absolut authentisch sind“, sagt Eilert.

Das Fazit des Mimik-Experten: „Löws Körpersprache war geprägt durch ein Wechselspiel von Stress auf der einen Seite und Selbstsicherheit wie Fokussierung und aufkeimendem Kampfesgeist auf der anderen Seite.“

Besonders spannend: Löw zeigt mimisch nur ein einziges Mal Anzeichen von Geringschätzung in Bezug auf die Leistung seiner Mannschaft (siehe rechts): „Hätte er wiederholt Geringschätzung gezeigt, würde er sich damit über seine Spieler stellen und sich nicht als Teil des Problems sehen. Dass er dies nicht macht, ist eine wichtige Voraussetzung für die zukünftigen Erfolgschancen der Nationalmannschaft mit ihm als Bundestrainer.“

Studien haben gezeigt: Zeigt sich Geringschätzung als durchgängiges Muster, zerstört das den Zusammenhalt und das Vertrauen innerhalb eines Teams – und damit letztendlich die Leistungsmotivation.

Wann: Als Löw die Schlussfolgerungen aus seiner Analyse zieht und Lösungen präsentiert.

Das sagt der Experte: Er spannt die Augenlider an und zeigt Rhythmusgesten in Form des sogenannten Präzisionsgriffs – er bündelt die Finger. Bis zu diesem Moment war Löws Körpersprache geprägt durch Signale von Stress und Nervosität. Nun kommt Selbstsicherheit, Fokussierung und aufkeimender Kampfgeist auf.

Wann: Als Löw über Özils Rücktritt spricht.

Das sagt der Experte: Als Löw kurz pausiert, um dann auf Özil zu sprechen zu kommen, ist ein deutlicher Anstieg der Stresssignale zu beobachten: Der Bundestrainer leckt sich mehrmals die Lippen, beißt sich auf die Lippen und richtet das Mikrofon. Ganz klar: Das Thema stresst Löw immens.

Als Löw über den Özil-Rücktritt spricht, zeigt er die Zunge

Wann: Vor seiner WM-Analyse

Das sagt der Experte: Bei Beruhigungsgesten berührt die Person sich meist selbst, zum Beispiel im Gesicht, oder auch ein Objekt. Die Berührungen dienen hier dazu, den eigenen Stress zu regulieren. Dadurch wird die Ausschüttung des „Kuschelhormons“ Oxytocin angeregt. Dieses wirkt direkt und beruhigend auf die Amygdala, das Gefahrenzentrum unseres limbischen Systems, und baut auf diese Weise Unsicherheit und Stress ab.

Wann: Vor seinen ersten Worten.

Das sagt der Experte: Löw zieht die Augenbrauen und Oberlider hoch sowie die Lippen seitlich auseinander – eine kurze Mikroexpression von Angst in milderer Form und Unsicherheit. Ein Hinweis, dass ihn das WM-Vorrunden-Aus immer noch stark zu beschäftigen scheint und er diese Niederlage emotional noch nicht voll verarbeitet hat.

Wann: Als er darüber spricht, was das WM-Aus für ihn bedeutet hat.

Das sagt der Experte: Er zieht die Wangen und ebenso die Oberlippe kurz hoch. Hier wird deutlich, wie schmerzlich ihm diese Niederlage zugesetzt hat. Aber auch die Wut zeigt sich in seinem Gesicht: Löw presst die Lippen zusammen und spannt die Kiefermuskulatur an.

Wann: Als er ausführt, dass die erfahrenen Spieler mehr hätten zeigen können.

Das sagt der Experte: Löw presst kurz den rechten Mundwinkel ein – ein Hinweis auf Geringschätzung. Diese Mikroexpression zeigt der Bundestrainer nur ein einziges Mal in der kompletten Pressekonferenz

Wann: Als Löw sagt, dass sie es in Russland „verbockt“ haben.

Das sagt der Experte: Löw schaut er nach unten rechts und ordnet mit seiner rechten Hand Papiere auf dem Tisch vor ihm. Der gesenkte Blick und Kopf sowie das nervöse Sortieren sind Hinweise auf Scham. Neben den anderen Stresssignalen und -expressionen ein weiterer Hinweis, wie sehr er mit sich ins Gericht gegangen ist und immer noch geht.

Wann: Wiederholt während der WM-Analyse

Das sagt der Experte: Während seiner Analyse wirkte Löw zunehmend nervöser – so richtet er zum Beispiel immer wieder das Mikrofon. Eine sogenannte Objekt-Beruhigungsgeste, die, wenn sie wie hier in diesem Fall mehrfach auftritt, ein Hinweis auf ein hohes Stresslevel ist (siehe auch „Angst“).

Thursday, 5 July 2018

Löw to continue as Germany Head Coach, 03.07.2018

Joachim Löw has confirmed that he will continue in his role as Germany head coach during personal talks with senior DFB officials, saying that he is fully committed to rebuilding the team for the future tasks ahead. Prior to his decision, there had been open talks at the association headquarters in Frankfurt am Main with the DFB’s World Cup delegation – featuring DFB president Reinhard Grindel, DFL president Dr. Reinhard Rauball, 1st vice president Dr. Rainer Koch, general secretary Dr. Friedrich Curtius, vice president Peter Peters and Germany team director Oliver Bierhoff – to discuss the World Cup in Russia and Die Mannschaft’s group-stage exit.

During the talks, the delegation reiterated that Joachim Löw has the full support of the presidential board and also has their backing to draw the correct conclusions from the team’s performance at the World Cup. Löw made it clear that, while he is of course disappointed with the campaign, it has not affected his motivation and desire to prepare the team for the challenges ahead. Everyone agreed that a rash analysis would make little sense. Over the coming weeks, Löw, his coaching staff and Oliver Bierhoff will instead undergo a thorough analysis and present the presidential board with their results ahead of the next international fixture.

“We had very open, trustful discussions and spoke about a lot of different aspects,” said president Reinhard Grindel. “We are all utterly convinced that, in Jogi Löw, we have a head coach who can analyse the situation very thoroughly, take the appropriate steps and lead our team to success again. Demanding a comprehensive analysis just a few days after being knocked out like that would be too much too soon. The head coach and Oliver Bierhoff should now take the necessary time to digest what happened at the tournament and then provide a detailed analysis to the presidential board ahead of the game against France on 6th September, when our Nations League journey begins.”

Löw: "Fully committed to leading us through this rebuilding phase" Joachim Löw: “I am very grateful for the faith that the DFB continue to place in me. Despite the justified criticism following our exit, I still feel a lot of support. It was important for me to speak to the DFB heads personally after taking a few days to think things over. I still feel a huge sense of disappointment, but I am fully committed to leading us through this rebuilding phase. I will do analysis together with my team, hold talks and draw the necessary conclusions ready for the new season. It will take time, but it will be complete before the new international campaign begins in September.”

Team director Oliver Bierhoff: “I am delighted that our team will continue to be headed by Jogi Löw. We sat down for a long time yesterday and I could tell that he is still fired up for this role. After 14 years of successful work, we now have to begin rebuilding. Our thoughts have already switched to that, and we will also consider what structural changes could be made.”

Germany captain Manuel Neuer: “I’m very happy that we can continue our long and successful path with Jogi Löw. I fully believe that we will be able to return to our old strengths.”

3 July 2018
Originally on dfb.de. Uploaded here to prevent loss once moved on or removed from that site.

Friday, 29 June 2018

Joachim Löw: "Rudy will not play, but Hummels is fit", 26.06.2018

Less than 24 hours before Germany’s final World Cup group game against South Korea on Wednesday (KO 16:00 CEST), the reigning World champions’ preparations are running at full speed, even if a violent storm forced the final training session before the match to be moved. Joachim Löw’s full focus is on the match in Kazan. The head coach spoke about line-up possibilities, the situation in Group F and gave updates on the squad. Joachim Löw on... ...the squad: We have 18 outfield players available for tomorrow. Sebastian Rudy won’t be able to play – the game comes two or three days too early. It makes no sense even with a mask. He’s broken his nose in several places and was put under general anaesthetic. Jerome Boateng will be serving his ban. All our other players are 100% ready to play, including Mats Hummels, who has absolutely no problems anymore and is ready to play. ...Mesut Özil and the other reserves: Mesut impressed hugely in training after the Sweden game, as did Sami Khedira. We also have the options of the other players who haven’t come on yet. ...Thomas Müller: I had a long conversation with Thomas after the Mexico game. We analysed the game using video clips. He’s a very receptive player and he’s very self-critical of his performances. Anyone who knows Thomas knows that he always has a very positive outlook and is always looking to improve. He’s a really important player for us. ...the situation in Group F: I’m not one to go through all the possible scenarios. Of course I’ll be kept up-to-date about the score in the game between Mexico and Sweden so that I can react if need be. But we have to make sure we win our own game – by two goals if possible. It depends on our own performance and we have to do all we can to make use of our strengths. ...vulnerability to counterattacks: We’ve talked about it multiple times. It’s not just down to the defence. We were much better in the transitional plays against Sweden than we were against Mexico. We weren’t always successful, but it was much, much better. We have to keep working on it. ...South Korea: South Korea have strong counterattacking players. That’s something they love to do. They try to adjust to their opponents in defence. They will play aggressively – earlier than Sweden did. They’ll want to win the ball in midfield and they have two or three players who are really strong on the counter; we have to prevent that and we can’t give up possession easily. We won’t be marking Son man-on-man because he’ll take all the freedom his coach allows him. He makes fast runs in behind the defence so our defence has to be alert. We have to make sure we don’t give the ball away – that will be very important for us. ...the feeling within the team after the Sweden game: The mood wasn’t great after the Mexico game. Everyone knew the situation we were in and the pressure was on. After the Sweden game, it was pure joy, a big relief because it would’ve been very hard to go through had we only come away with a point. On the other hand, the team didn’t get carried away because preparations were to carry on the next day. The team knew it was a small step in the direction of the knockout stages and that we have to win against South Korea. I think we will be more focused against South Korea. You can’t spend too much time enjoying the moments at a tournament like this. Whether we take the euphoria with us into the game remains to be seen. The most important thing is that we maintain our focus. ...the starting XI: I’ve seen in training how much the players want to win the match against South Korea. It will depend on many things, including how they perform in training, current form and the games against Mexico and Sweden. I know the qualities of each and every player and I look at what he can do for our team and what value he can add. What types of player are useful against this opponent? There are various criteria which will decide how the team is set up. ...the heat in Kazan: The physios will be very important for us. In 30-degree heat, it’s clear that it’ll be a factor. But we’ve proven in both games that we can play at pace even when it’s hot. I think that the team won’t have any problems with the heat against South Korea. https://www.dfb.de/en/news/detail/joachim-loew-rudy-will-not-play-but-hummels-is-fit-189240/p/2/?no_cache=1&cHash=8b96ada52f3557e6d56e277bf8e833bf

Sunday, 24 June 2018

Löw: "We always believed", 24.06.2018

Germany head coach Joachim Löw speaks about the dramatic final moments of the 2-1 win against Sweden in Sochi and the strengths of his team as well as giving the latest injury updates.

Joachim Löw, how did you feel when Toni Kroos scored the winner in the dramatic final seconds of the 2-1 win against Sweden?

Joachim Löw: I was unbelievably happy for him because he’d missed a pass which led to Sweden’s goal and it’s incredibly rare for him to make a mistake like that. He normally has a pass success rate of close to 100%. It was unlucky that it resulted in a goal. I was over the moon that he’d made up for it.

What did you like in the game?

Löw: I liked that we didn’t lose our nerves in the second half and we didn’t start playing in a hectic manner. We always believed that we could turn the game around. We were definitely a bit lucky that we managed to win in injury time with only ten men on the pitch, but we won through our character, by not giving up and by believing in ourselves.

A win which came just before the final whistle...

Löw: It was a thriller full of emotion – especially in the closing stages. We had Julian Brandt’s shot, which hit the post, the chance with Mario Gomez’s header. We tried everything in the last ten minutes and took off a defender despite being a man down. It was pure drama at the end of the game. But all do-or-die games at a tournament like this are balanced on a knife’s edge. It’s not the first time I’ve experienced something like this. It’s definitely great for the neutrals to watch.

Germany could face Brazil in the round of 16...

Löw: I can’t talk about that at the moment because nothing is certain yet. Different things could happen in the other group and we still have to beat South Korea. We’ll take things as they come, then it’s okay.

How will you approach the next “knockout” game against South Korea?

Löw: The players were exhausted after the game, Marco Reus had cramps ten minutes before the final whistle. Jerome Boateng is unavailable, Sebastian Rudy has a broken nose. We need one or two days to recover. Mats Hummels will likely be able to play, which would give us another option in defence.

Is the depth of the squad your biggest strength?

Löw: We have options and the squad is geared to let us exploit all possibilities. Those who haven’t yet played will definitely be needed. Also Mesut Özil and Sami Khedira – both will be needed going forwards.

24 June 2018
Originally on dfb.de. Uploaded here to prevent loss once removed from or moved on that page.

Monday, 18 June 2018

Löw: "We will get back on track", 18.06.2018

The disappointment is high following the 1-0 loss to Mexico in Germany’s 2018 World Cup opener. That goes for the players, the fans and also Joachim Löw. The head coach speaks about why his side lost their first World Cup opener in 36 years, the atmosphere within the team and his plan for the games to come.

How sobering is the 1-0 loss to Mexico?

Joachim Löw: It is very disappointing. Losing our first game is something that we are not accustomed to doing, but there’s always a first time for everything. We didn’t play to our best at all. We obviously need to reflect on what happened and get back on track. We will learn our lessons and be better in the next game.

What was lacking? Efficiency?

Löw: We were poor in the first half and we didn’t play with our usual attacking, passing style, or use the space we were given well enough. Everyone kept getting in each other’s way which led to us losing the ball and having to cover a lot of ground. Mexico sat deeper in the second half and we got a few shots away, but you just always had the feeling that it wasn’t our day.

What’s the atmosphere like within the team?

Löw: Everyone’s feeling a bit down and very, very disappointed. Now we have to stay focused on what’s to come and try to improve. We have more than enough experience to be able to deal with a loss and pick ourselves back up again. But we simply must win this Saturday (vs. Sweden).

Your team also didn’t seem to be in top shape physically.

Löw: We seemed to not be as dynamic as we can be in the first half. We didn’t have the desire or the drive to turn the game around, nor did we have the necessary physical fitness.

Do you have to make radical changes?

Löw: No, we’re not suddenly going to abandon our philosophy! If we play to our best then we have the ability to generate more chances. Everyone looked for the ball to be played to feet yesterday - we have to be better than that. We won’t suddenly stray from our plan though, we just have to get back to utilizing our strengths.

Should you have named more young players in the squad after their performance in the Confed Cup?

Löw: We actually have a relatively young team - we’re a long way away from being an old squad. The players who have been a part of our setup for a longer time bring experience and a high level of quality, even if that didn’t show up yesterday.

Three of the last four World Cup winners have been knocked out in the group stage four years later. Will you be the fourth?

Löw: That will not happen. We will get out of the group. We have every chance to put things right, but we have to let our play do the talking.

18 June 2018
Originally on dfb.de. Uploaded here to prevent loss once removed from or moved on that site.

Monday, 11 June 2018

Löw: "Every team wants to topple us", 11.06.2018

The preparation in South Tyrol for the 2018 World Cup is over, now it’s time for Russia. On Tuesday, Die Mannschaft fly to Moscow. They will prepare for their opening match against Mexico on Sunday from their accommodation in Vatutinki. In an interview, coach Joachim Löw talked about the expectations of the title defenders, the position of being hunted and their opponents in Group F.

Question: Mr. Löw, how often have you been spoken to about Vittorio Pozzo, who is still the only coach to have won the World Cup twice?

Joachim Löw: Not at all in the last few weeks. He is of course a legend, however.

Question: What would it mean to you to be the first coach in 80 years to achieve such a feat?

Löw: To be crowned world champions again would naturally mean a lot. It would be historic. It means as much to the players as it does to the coach. So we will put all our energy and resources towards achieving it.

Question: You fly to Moscow on Tuesday. What’s the general mood in the camp?

Löw: I’m excited to get going. However, I do feel a sense of humility given the difficulty of the task ahead.

Question: What excites you the most?

Löw: I always love being able to work with the team for an extended period of time. Then I get into my rhythm. It’s the day-to-day work on the pitch which I enjoy. The team do too and they can build a stronger connection than when they’re just together briefly. We can communicate more and work harder. I see a lot of development when we have three or four weeks together. At a tournament, I also relish the matches, the competition, the fifty-fifty situations. The comparisons and contests between the best teams from each continent are thrilling.

Question: You have always emphasised how difficult it is to successfully defend a title. What makes this World Cup so complicated?

Löw: The other teams have improved since 2014. France are better, Spain are better, Brazil and Argentina too. When you’re world champions, Confederations Cup winners and no.1 in the FIFA rankings for three or four years, then you’re being hunted down. Every team will want to topple the title defenders. To win a title, everything has to go well. Other factions also certainly play a role though, given that the teams are so similar in quality. Then you need a bit of luck and to stay injury-free. Little things can also have a huge effect. You need to perform at the highest level, be sharp and fully on the ball in every game from the get-go. Otherwise, when it comes to the knock-out rounds, you’ll be heading home rather sharpish.

Question: How has the team prepared for being hunted down?

Löw: We trained for that in March and at the beginning of the training camp. We coaches have tried to convey what’s waiting for then. We want to train for success in the best way possible. As well as physical and tactical sessions, we have worked on our winning mentality. It’s important that we absorb the pressure and discipline ourselves well. Those are the crucial things to remember.

Question: Toni Kroos said that the team is stronger on the ball than in 2014. Yet, there’s some room for improvement off the ball.

Löw: We have hugely developed our playing style. The same can be said for other teams. If we make as many mistakes as we did against Austria, then we’ll be nothing more than an average team. However, if we get the little things right, we’ll be difficult to play against. In terms of attacking, we’re very strong. But the saying goes that good defences win tournaments. It’s a fundamental principle that we need to internalise.

Question: Have you cultivated the team spirit you were after?

Löw: It’s a process and doesn’t just appear out of thin air. At the beginning of training, a few players were quite insecure and asked themselves whether they should be there. You can’t create a concrete sense of unity with 27 players. But since I named the final squad, every player has known he belongs in the team. It was a liberating moment for many of them. Team spirit takes time and develops during the tournament too. The framework is set, because the team know each other very well and we have a strong spine to lead the group. Our more experienced players are also very performance orientated, but always put the team first. There are no egos, only role models for the younger players.

Question: Your team lacks megastars like Neymar, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Is that an advantage?

Löw: In 2014 it was certainly an advantage. We didn’t have any one superstar. We strived for success as a team. That team mentality can definitely act in your favour.

Question: What do you think of your group with Mexico, Sweden and South Korea?

Löw: All the teams are at a similarly high level. Sweden and South Korea are awkward sides to play against. Mexico have many tactical and technical qualities. They’re a very strong and dangerous opponent and are good on the ball.

Question: You have extended your contract until 2022. Was that a statement?

Löw: The DFB approached me a long time ago. There’s a mutual respect and trust between us. Now we have a younger generation coming through and that gives me personally a motivational boost. In the last four years, we have seen players like Joshua Kimmich, Timo Werner, Leroy Sané, Nikla Süle, Julian Brandt and Leon Goretzka come onto the scene. It’s a hugely exciting task for me.

11 June 2018
Originally on dfb.de. Uploaded here to prevent loss once moved on or removed from that site.

Sunday, 3 June 2018

Joachim Löw: "We won't get worked up about it", 03.06.2018

Joachim Löw was far from happy with his side’s performance in the 2-1 friendly loss to Austria on Saturday, but was happy to see Manuel Neuer back in goal. Looking ahead to the World Cup in Russia, however, and Löw was less concerned. Here’s what the Die Mannschaft coach made of Saturday night’s defeat.

Question: How frustrated are you about the defeat to Austria?

Joachim Löw: I am annoyed, particularly about the way we lost. I cannot remember the last time I saw a defeat so self-inflicted before.

Question: What angers you the most?

Löw: We lost the ball so much. We went into a rut after half time and never came out of it. We let them back into the game. Normally when we take the lead we are good at making the opponents chase. Then we seemed to get tired and we could have wrapped the game up earlier.

Question: Why was that the case this time?

Löw: Nobody was quite on the ball with the opportunities. We started giving the ball away and that allwed them to grown into the game. It did not plan out how we had talked about. There were mistakes and certain things were lacking.

Question: Are you worried with the World Cup just around the corner?

Löw: I accept days like this. The team would have been prepared totally differently in two week time. I won’t lose any sleep over this. No worries. But if were to play like that in Russia we will struggle. There is a lot to digest, but we won’t let ourselves get worked up about this. We will remain calm.

Question: What did you make of Manuel Neuer’s comeback?

Löw: I was very satisfied with his return. He reacted well to certain situations and showed quick thinking too. You could not tell he had been away for so long.

Question: The game was almost called off due to the weather. How did you find that?

Löw: I was going all over the place. Good thing it was only a friendly. But we wanted to avoid injury. The pitch then became playable.

3 June 2018
Originally on dfb.de. Uploaded here to prevent loss once moved on or removed from that site.

BBC World Service Podcast Interview, 28.09.2018

Taken at the FIFA 'The Best' Awards, 24 September 2018 Interviewer: Joachim Löw, the coach of Germany, thanks for stopping. We ar...