Loew to explain squad in press conference rather than statement

Germany coach Joachim Loew will use a press conference to explain the thinking behind his squad for a friendly against Serbia and the Euro 2020 qualifying opener in the Netherlands.

A statement with the squad was originally planned, but following the furore over the permanent axing of Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng and Thomas Mueller, the situation changed.

The German football association on Tuesday said Loew wanted to underline “his fundamental considerations’’ to reporters.

The press conference will take place on Friday at the association’s headquarters in Frankfurt.

Germany, dumped out of the World Cup as holders last year with the Bayern Munich trio prominent members of the squad, host Serbia in Wolfsburg next Wednesday.

They then visit Amsterdam four days later.