Former Germany manager Joachim Low has turned down an approach to take charge of the Uzbekistan national team ahead of their historic debut at the FIFA World Cup, Afrosport reports.
Uzbekistan booked their ticket to next year’s Mundial in North America following a goalless draw against the United Arab Emirates in June – a result that sealed their first-ever appearance on football’s biggest stage.
The White Wolves, under the guidance of current boss Timur Kapadze, have made history for the Central Asian nation, but their football federation, UFA, is keen to appoint a high-profile coach to lead the side into the tournament, which will be staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Reports suggest the Uzbekistan Football Association recently opened talks with Low about the possibility of taking the reins. However, the 65-year-old is understood to have declined the offer, without publicly stating his reasons.
Low is best remembered for his highly successful spell with Germany, where he took over from Jurgen Klinsmann in July 2006 and held the position for 15 years. His tenure brought memorable triumphs, most notably guiding Die Mannschaft to FIFA World Cup glory in 2014 in Brazil and winning the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2017.
He stepped down in March 2021, and while he has since expressed a desire to return to management, it seems Uzbekistan does not fit the profile of his next venture.
With roughly 10 months remaining until the World Cup kicks off, the UFA will now shift their search towards alternative candidates capable of guiding their national team through a momentous chapter in the country’s football history.
