Low undecided on Germany captaincy

Joachim Low has not yet decided who will take over the Germany captaincy from injured goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Neuer is not available for Tuesday’s friendly against Denmark, Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against San Marino or the upcoming Confederations Cup after breaking a metatarsal during Bayern Munich’s Champions League quarter-final defeat to eventual winners Real Madrid in April.

Low has named an inexperienced squad to face Denmark, with defender Mats Hummels, midfielders Toni Kroos and Mesut Ozil and attacker Thomas Muller all missing, while Hoffenheim duo Kerem Demirbay and Sandro Wagner are among players who could make their debuts.

And the World Cup-winning coach is unclear on who will wear the armband with so many regular players unavailable, although he hinted Arsenal centre-back Shkodran Mustafi is in contention to be named captain.

Impressionen vom Abschlusstraining in Kopenhagen  #DieMannschaft #DENGER pic.twitter.com/LnCO2HDlyZ

— Die Mannschaft (@DFB_Team) June 5, 2017

“I have not dealt with the question yet,” Low told reporters on Monday. “We also have other people who already take on management tasks at their clubs.

“Of course, I will try to pass on my experience and help the young players. There are no unknown faces for me. I am happy about anyone who gets a chance here – this is an exciting time.

“Mustafi was not used very often due to the fact that Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng often played in the tournaments. I believe he is doing well with our young and inexperienced team, because he can also take on management tasks.

“We have two to three players who already have more tournament experience: Mustafi, Julian Draxler and Emre Can. I think it will become clear, who will also take on the field leadership tasks during the Confederations Cup.

“It should be that all players who are involved are given as much time as possible. I would like to bring different players from the beginning depending on the situation in the games at the Confederations Cup. You will then see which young players have the ability to take responsibility.”

Ready for some exciting weeks with the @DFB_Team  #DENGER #RoadToRussia #ConfedCup #DieMannschaft pic.twitter.com/bpDbxxT4EG

— Shkodran Mustafi (@MustafiOfficial) June 5, 2017

Mustafi insisted he is not thinking about the captaincy and instead looking forward to reuniting with previous youth international team-mates including Marvin Plattenhardt and Amin Younes, who could make their Germany debuts against Denmark.

“I have not been concerned with the captain’s question yet, and we’ve got others who have leadership qualities and take over their teams,” the Arsenal defender said. “I will try to share my experiences and help.

“There are no unknown faces for me, I know every single player and I’m happy that some of them have a chance, I’m looking forward to seeing new faces.”