Loew dismisses Barca comparisons

Germany coach Joachim Loew has dismissed comparisons of his side with Barcelona, saying the two teams have a different style of play.

Loew pointed out that European champions Barcelona focus mainly on possession football, whereas Germany aim to find the net as soon as possible with quick counter-attacks.

“We have developed a good mix of passing and running, ball-winning, and fast counter-attacks. We are not like Barcelona in keeping possession for very long,” Loew told DAPD.

“I tell my team: if we win the ball, I want to see the ball in the goal in eight seconds. That’s my philosophy.”

“What can still be improved further is the personal development of young players like (Mario) Goetze, (Toni) Kroos and (Andre) Schurrle.”

The Germany boss then went on to discuss the value of psychology in football, and stressed that the mental aspect of the game plays a huge role.

“The Spaniards do not win with aggressiveness and strength in the challenge. They are mentally very fast. And that’s an important function in the development of all football players: it’s about becoming faster in the thought.”

“If a player has good technique and a good basic speed, but is slow in the head, this may reduce his value to the team.”

Germany will have to deal with Denmark, the Netherlands and Portugal in Group B of Euro 2012.