BERLIN — Joachim Loew ended speculation about his immediate future when he confirmed Tuesday that he would stay on as coach of Germany despite the disappointment of the Euro 2016 semifinal defeat by France.
Loew, who took Germany to World Cup glory in Brazil in 2014, said in a statement issued by the German football federation: "We were disappointed after the semifinal, but despite our disappointment, the Mannschaft did not disappoint."
Loew, 56, said he had seen "great potential" in the squad that would serve Germany well in the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
"I'm sure it will bring us still much joy, so it is my joy to continue my work with these players and continue to evolve with them in the context of the 2018 World Cup."
Loew, in charge since 2006, has a contract that runs to 2018 but he had left some doubt about his position after Germany were eliminated from the European Championships.
Willian signs new 4-year contract at Chelsea
Brazilian playmaker Willian has agreed a new four-year contract with Chelsea, the Premier League club said Tuesday.
The 27-year-old, voted the London club's Player of the Year last season by fans and teammates, said it was "a dream to continue".
"Over the next four years I will try to help the team win more trophies," he added.
Willian joined Chelsea in 2013 and was the standout performer last season in what turned out to be a wretched campaign for the defending champion. He has scored 19 goals in 140 appearances.
Chelsea, which finished 10th in the league and out of European competition, will have a new manager next season with the arrival of Italian Antonio Conte.
Spurs sign Dutch striker Janssen
Prolific Dutch international striker Vincent Janssen signed for English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur Tuesday from AZ Alkmaar for a reported fee of £17 million ($22.3m, 20.1m euros), the buying club announced.
The 22-year-old signed a four-year contract.
Janssen, who in his sole season at Alkmaar scored 27 goals to top the league scoring chart, said a combination of the football philosophy of Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino and the allure of Champions League football had convinced him to join.
"One of the reasons I chose Tottenham (is) the way (Pochettino) thinks and how he plays. I really like that," Janssen told Spurs TV.
