Coach Joachim Loew has admitted to disharmony in the German camp ahead of the national team’s World Cup qualifier away to the Republic of Ireland later today. The Guardian reports that Loew has been arguing with talisman Bastian Schweinsteiger and others over some of his recent selections.

In a heated discussion, in which Schweinsteiger gave Loew a “piece of his mind,” the Bayern Munich midfielder pointed out how "the whole bench didn't jump up" to celebrate goals during Euro 2012, apparently in protest. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund playmaker Mario Goetze and Bayern midfielder Toni Kroos have complained in public about their lack of playing time under Loew.

The Germany coach, who finds himself under pressure for the first time since replacing Jurgen Klinsmann following the 2006 World Cup, has admitted that "some players were not overly happy to have to sit on the bench … Per Mertesacker for one.” Recent results, including a home friendly defeat to Argentina, and lackluster victories over the Faroe Islands and Austria in World Cup qualifying, have added to the pressure.

"There can be friction to a degree, which I admit to," Loew said about Euro 2012 during a press conference in Dublin ahead of today’s qualifier. "Having a team away together for seven or eight weeks is tremendously difficult. You have 23 players who all have their own problems. But the basic spirit was fantastic."