Give Germany's Klinsmann a break says Pele

Brazilian football legend Pele (R) and German manager Juergen Klinsmann comment on the final draw of the World Cup. Pele has told the critics to lay off Klinsmann, claiming he has done a fine job with the hosts ahead of next month's World Cup.

Brazilian legend Pele has told the critics to lay off Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann, claiming he has done a fine job with the hosts ahead of next month's World Cup.

In his two-year reign Klinsmann, 41, has come under fire over team selections and his controversial decision to jet back and forth to his Californian home but Pele, a three-time World Cup winner with Brazil, has backed the former Bayern Munich striker.

"He is doing a good job," Pele told German television channel ZDF. "I have spoken with him a few times and chatted with (Franz) Beckenbauer (head of the World Cup organising committee) about Klinsmann.

"Some people don't like the fact that he has changed a lot. I think some people in Germany have a problem with the new developments over the past two years.

"But I think he is doing well. Klinsmann gives the team a lot of self-confidence."

Germany open the World Cup on June 9 in Munich against Costa Rica and face further group A matches against Ecuador and Poland.