By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Joachim Low seems to have turned into an outdoor sports addict -- nothing can stop him from enjoying artistic stunts.

Dozens of holiday guests in Seefeld, Austria, couldn't believe their eyes over the past days to see the German national coach every day riding a trail bike along the mountainsides.

The 61-year-old appears full of energy in advance of his last major tournament on the German bench. Melancholia seems to keep his mind busy after announcing his departure after 15 years in charge.

The 2014 World Cup-winning coach admitted to being full of optimism regarding his farewell, "as I feel an overwhelming amount of joyful anticipation regarding my last tournament."

Over the past weeks, Low seemed to enjoy his new freedom without feeling pressure on his shoulders.

For years, Low had to satisfy fans' enormous demands and the expectations of the entire nation. At present, all his actions seem to ground in his thoughts and feelings.

Over the past weeks, the German coach spoke about personal issues in an unusually relaxed way and appeared like a great statesman looking back on his achievements. He admitted to lie awake in bed at night and feeling lonesome. "After all, I am just a human being as everyone else," he said.

Drawing a balance, the former striker decided to look back on his highlights such as the 2014 World Cup and, somehow in secret, learn from his setbacks such as the 2018 World Cup.

Like a child in front of a packed table full of birthday presents, Low expressed his joy to face the challenge of meeting big favorites such as France and Portugal.

He seemed obsessed with delivering a surprise as fans and pundits don't expect him to perform. Players of his squad were reported to see an active coach, getting down to minor details that could influence the delayed Euro 2020 outcome.

Regarding his squad, Low jumped over his shadow and recalled excluded forces such as Mats Hummels and Thomas Muller, and appointed young talents such as Bayern's Jamal Musiala and Monaco striker Kevin Volland.

During training sessions, it's Low taking over as a conductor, no matter how minor issues might be. His message: "I am the man in charge, and I take care of everything."

Low returned to his original role as a football coach in its purest sense.

Real Madrid star Kroos spoke of Low as more emotional than "we have been used to over the past years. He is in the middle of everything." Manuel Neuer said Low surprised them with a sterner tone in training while setting up a range of team-building measures such as a casino evening.

The Bayern keeper, ahead of his 100th game in the German shirt this Monday against Latvia, said the coach is demanding and expecting total commitment.

Low's enthusiasm seems to affect the team's mood. "I am happy about the increasing communication in our squad. The players are highly engaged and ask many questions," the German coach said, adding things have changed for the better.

With a wink, Low said to some extent he feels reminded of the spirit the team created back in 2014. Enditem

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