Matthaeus told Wednesday’s edition of the Sueddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) that Loew has somewhat lost his authority of the past in the wake of recent modest results.

The team ended 2020 with a 6-0 humiliation in Spain after which 2014 World Cup winner Loew nonetheless got a unanimous vote of confidence from the leadership of the German Football Federation (DFB) to continue towards the Euros.

“If the Euros don’t go the way we’d like them to and the way we can expect in view of the players, then not only Loew would have to pack up but everyone who decided that he should stay,” Matthaeus insisted.

While understanding that Loew got another chance after the early 2018 World Cup exit, Matthaeus warned that now “the fans’ faith has been lost, and I think the DFB is underestimating that.”

Germany’s record international with 150 caps who captained the 1990 World Cup winning side named the debacle in Spain “an exception” but nonetheless suggested that Loew is no longer the authority he was in the past.

“When I look at the overall situation or remember the games before that (Spain), which were barely won or in which a late goal was conceded … then I realize: things are not right anymore.”

Matthaeus said Loew’s statements weren’t “as fluid or clear” as in the past, lamented his “indifference on the bench, especially against Spain” and said Loew gave the impression of “Just let me do it – the rest of you have no idea!”

However, he added he still hopes that Loew can manage a turnaround with the new-look team despite a tough Euro draw where the team faces world champions France, title holders Portugal and Hungary in the group stage.

“I would like Joachim Löw to get back on track – for him and for German football,” Matthaeus said.