Moenchengladbach, Germany (dpa) – Coach Joachim Loew will announce the new Germany captain to replace Bastian Schweinsteiger only after Wednesday’s friendly match with Finland, he told a news conference Monday.
«On Wednesday Bastian will be the captain,» Loew said. «So on Wednesday it’s not a topic.»
The long-serving Germany midfielder Schweinsteiger is to retire from international football after making a farewell appearance in Moenchengladbach against Finland, as will forward Lukas Podolski – though injury has ruled him out of the contest.
Loew paid credit to the pair, saying they had «done a lot for the team,» but that the time was right for them to step back.
And having called up youngsters Julian Brandt, Max Meyer and Niklas Suele for the next games, he said he is looking to construct a fresh side capable of competing in Russia.
«An important goal for the next two years – bringing up young players with perspective,» he said.
The reigning World Cup holders start qualifying for Russia 2018 in Norway on Sunday.
