Loew defends selection of Gomez

Germany coach Joachim Loew claims Mario Gomez is more than worthy of his starting place ahead of their Euro 2012 clash with Netherlands.

Going into the Group B match against Bert van Marwijk’s side on Wednesday, the 52-year old Loew answered questions on Gomez, as doubts were raised over the striker’s work ethic by former Bayern Munich man Mehmet Scholl.

Loew backed his decision to select Gomez, despite differing opinions from outside the German camp.

“It really doesn’t bother me what somebody somewhere else thinks,” Loew told reporters.

“I, as head coach, may very often have a different view to the media or the public or a few fans.

“So we judge the players on how they play regardless of what everyone else says.

“Perhaps such opinions might interest me now and again, but I have my own ideas on things and that is all that matters.”

Loew also spoke of the impact older players such as Miroslav Klose and Per Mertesacker had on the dressing room, regardless of whether they are in the starting 11 or not.

“The hierarchy of the players hasn’t changed in any way,” he said.

“Even players such as Miroslav Klose and Per Mertesacker had an unbelievably positive influence on the team in the first game. They were fully behind the team, and both have undoubted authority and respect within the team.

“These players are extremely important for our younger players, the whole squad and for me as the coach, because I can ask them for their advice.

“So that hasn’t changed at all, we are talking about relationships that have been forged over a long period of time.”

For his part, Gomez was a relieved figure after claiming the decisive goal in Germany’s 1-0 win over Portugal.

“The feeling when you win is better and more important than anything else,” he said.

“I was really pleased with the goal though of course. Everyone knows that Euro 2008 and the World Cup in 2010 weren’t as good as they could have been for me.

“So I was really pleased to come good on the trust that the coach has showed in me by getting the winning goal in the opening game.”