The German Football Association (DFB) earlier this week announced that negotiations over an extension to Low's contract beyond the World Cup had been put on ice until after the summer, despite having claimed last December that a gentleman's agreement had already been reached.

Not only did Low deny ever shaking hands on a new deal, as DFB chairman Dr Theo Zwanziger claims, he now says he will not be put under any kind of pressure to commit to a new deal amid rumours he was given just 48 hours to agree.

"I am the national team coach and I will not be given any ultimatum," he told ZDF television.

"It is our right to make demands and whoever knows us knows that we are not hungry for power or money.

"We are interested in other things like the development of the team.

"But now we will have to wait and see if we are still wanted and if we are willing to negotiate at all."

Germany are now set to go into the World Cup this summer with Low's contract expiring after the final, leaving them in a similar situation to four years ago when Jurgen Klinsmann was in charge.

Despite enjoying much public support, Klinsmann chose to leave on a high having led Germany to a third-place finish in 2006 having also experienced turbulent times with his employers during his two-year reign.

Low yesterday flew out to Poland for today's European Championship draw along with DFB representatives, including Dr Zwanziger, but Bild newspaper reported the pair never even exchanged glances on their way to Warsaw.