Bastian Schweinsteiger named new Germany captain
Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has been named Germany's new captain, head coach Joachim Loew announced at a press conference Tuesday.
Schweinsteiger replaces Philipp Lahm, who served as captain from 2010 until he announced his retirement from the national team in July after the FIFA World Cup. Loew said Schweinsteiger will be the team's captain for at least two years.
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"Schweinsteiger has always taken on responsibility when he had to. I could always rely on him," said Loew. "He is very well respected in the team and among the coaching staff. His immense experience is also important."
The 30-year-old Schweinsteiger first appeared for Germany in 2004 and has scored 23 goals in 108 total games. He helped lead the team to its fourth World Cup title this summer.
Schweinsteiger plays professionally for Bayern Munich, which has won the last two Bundesliga titles.
Loew also announced that Thomas Schneider will join his staff as assistant coach, replacing Hansi Flick, who left to become the German football federation's sporting director.
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- Ben Estes
