Low: Schweinsteiger has an unbelievable will to fight and win
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Joachim Low is backing Bastian Schweinsteiger to brush off his shaky start at Manchester United when he captains Germany in Friday's key UEFA EURO 2016 qualifier against Poland in Frankfurt. The FIFA World Cup™ holders, who are one point behind Adam Nawalka's Group D leaders, then face third-placed Scotland in Glasgow on Monday.
An historic 2-0 defeat to the Poles in Warsaw last October - the Germans' first loss to their neighbours - highlighted their post-Brazil hangover. Schweinsteiger will lead his nation for the first time since his transfer from Bayern Munich to Old Trafford in July.
Low has described the 31-year-old as "world-class", despite criticism of his fitness in United's 2-1 defeat to Swansea City on Sunday - his first full appearance for the Premier League club.
"When push comes to shove, Bastian is still a world-class player," said Low. "He is adaptable and his physical robustness is one of his greatest strengths. When he's physically fit, you know what he brings to the team: he's a strategist, he leads the team, and he's equipped with an unbelievable will to fight and win."
After 14 trophy-laden years in Munich, Schweinsteiger is relishing his new challenge in Manchester.
"It's been a lot of fun and it's a great feeling to play for United," he said. "We've given away five points in our last two league games, despite having the game under control at Swansea and failing to get the goals against Newcastle, but we're on the right path and have qualified for the Champions League.
"These two games now for Germany are certainly a challenge and perhaps we can get some revenge for our defeat in Poland last year. We'll be doing all we can to go top of the group."
Ozil praise
Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil, who has also been criticised for a lack of form in the past, came to the defence of his Germany skipper.
"Basti showed the entire world what kind of a leader he is at the World Cup," said the 26-year-old. The hard interim conclusions of the English press are not fair. He certainly needs some more time to adapt to the Premier League."