Berlin (AFP)

Joachim Löw eventually gave in.

Two years after excluding Thomas Müller and Mats Hummels from the national team, the German coach finally called them up for the Euro this summer (11 June-11 July), to give some experience in a Mannschaft with chaotic results since months.

The two 2014 world champions had paid the price for the big cleanup after the debacle of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Joachim Löw wanted to make a clean sweep of the past to launch a new generation.

But a string of poor results, including a historic 6-0 humiliation in Spain in November and a home loss to modest North Macedonia in March, have him backtracked.

"No, it was not a mistake, however, he defended himself on Wednesday by revealing his list of 26 players for the Euro. We made this decision at the time because we wanted to leave space and time for young players to develop. But the pandemic has slowed that progression, and now is a good time to remind them. "

Müller, 31, and Hummels, 32, "know us well, he continued, they have been in the national team for a long time and know our philosophy. They are respected and accepted by the youngest, for their performances and for their experience ".

- "On to the EURO" -

Both ghosts reacted with glee to their summons: "I really want a new chapter," Hummels wrote on Instagram, while Müller said, "Back! On to EURO. I'm ready. "

On the other hand, Jérôme Boateng, who had been banned from the Mannschaft at the same time as his two accomplices, was not recalled to him.

This reminder of the old grumblers came to Joachim Löw under pressure from both the results and a public opinion which increasingly understood his obstinacy in depriving himself of two of the best German players.

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Several great voices of German football had pleaded for their return, and especially for that of Müller, breathtaking for two seasons with his club.

"He is an extremely important player not only on the field, but also in the locker room, he is a leader," said Lothar Matthäus, the record holder for the selections (150) on Saturday.

Michael Ballack, former captain of the Mannschaft, had also pleaded for the Bavarian: "He has this particular something which can be very important in this kind of tournament. He has everything it takes to be leader of this team. in difficult circumstances, "he said.

- Eight Bayern players -

Uli Hoeness, 1974 world champion and honorary president of Bayern, had the same certainties: "Müller absolutely has his place in the national team, he scores goals and he would be useful to any team in the world (...) Löw cannot give up on a player like that, "he said a few days ago.

Two other world title executives in Brazil will also be in the squad: captain Manuel Neuer and midfielder Toni Kroos, who have never been sidelined.

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Bayern Munich often provides the largest contingent, with eight players, including a semi-surprise: Jamal Musiala, the little pearl of the 18-year-old attack, binational who opted for Germany after playing in the selections of young people for England.

Among the nominations that were not obvious, Kevin Volland is also rewarded for his good season in Monaco.

He will be the only resident of L1 in the German group, Parisians Thilo Kehrer and Julian Draxler not being selected.

© 2021 AFP