Germany boss Low not a fan of Euro 2016 format
Joachim Low thinks increasing the size of the European championship has affected the quality on show in this year's tournament.
Germany boss Joachim Low was critical of UEFA Euro 2016's 24-team format after his side exited the tournament after a defeat to France in the semi-finals.
The world champion lost 2-0 to the host nation in Marseille on Friday (AEST) thanks to a double from Antoine Griezmann.
Germany has not won the European championship since 1996 and Low – who is taking time to reflect on his future after the loss — was not a fan of the first tournament to include 24 teams after its extension from the previous mark of 16.
"I think 24 teams are too many," Low said. "The World Cup is going to be increased to 40 teams and it is getting more and more.
"That is a problem in the long term. Sometimes you get the feeling it's not doing football any good. The quality is suffering."
Defender Mats Hummels, who was suspended against France, agreed with the assessment of his head coach.
The Bayern Munich stopper said: "The level at this European championship was not what we had hoped for.
"There were many teams who didn't want to do anything with the ball and just packed men behind the ball."