By DARREN JOHNSTONE – Capital City Press
GERMANY coach Joachim Loew insists his players need of a summer holiday following Wednesday’s shock defeat to the USA.
The world champions were beaten 2-1 in Cologne in a warm-up game ahead of their return to Euro 2016 Group D qualifying action against Gibraltar on Saturday.
Mario Gotze put the Germans ahead but Mikkel Diskerud and Bobby Wood sealed a memorable victory for the Americans.
Germany, who are locked on 10 points with Scotland after five games in the qualifying section, take on minnows Gibraltar in Faro tomorrow and Loew admits his squad needs a break following an exhausting season.
He said: “I think right now it’s important that our players get a summer holiday.
“We’ll be happy on Saturday once this season is wrapped up.
“We will play a good game in Gibraltar and get the three points, I am convinced of that. But we’ll also be happy when the season is over.
“The fact the players are somewhat tired after a taxing season is completely normal.
“We must, and will, hold the tension until Saturday.”
Wednesday’s defeat was Germany’s third in nine games since being crowned world champions after also suffering set-backs to Argentina and Group D rivals Poland.
Loew is demanding that his players become more ruthless in front of goal.
He added: “For me, some of the players lacked that lust to score a goal.
“It was the same against Poland and Georgia, as well as the United States.
“The conversion of chances is very important and therefore remains an issue for us.
“It is an area we must improve on if we are to ensure a successful autumn campaign.”
