BERLIN, May 25: 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.—AFP