The three-time world champion feels
Joachim Low's side are one of the
biggest contenders for the
tournament and added that Bayern
Munich made a mistake in not
signing Neymar.
Brazil icon Pele says he fears "every
player" in the Germany World Cup
squad - particularly
Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil.
Germany have been drawn in Group G
with Portugal, Ghana and USA and are
seen as one of the favourites to win
the tournament.
And Pele believes that, while he feels
Brazil will claim a sixth world title on
home soil, Joachim Low's men pose a
genuine threat.
"Brazil are the favourites. We are
playing at home and have a good
team," he told Bild. "But I really
respect Germany. They are the best
team in Europa together with Spain,
both are perfectly organised."
"I fear every German player with my
heart. Mainly Thomas Muller and also
Mesut Ozil. These players could be
dangerous."
The three-time World Cup winner
added he has spoken to Franz
Beckenbauer about the strength of
the Germany team, although he
warned that the strongest side on
paper does not always enjoy the
greatest success.
"Franz told me that he is very
satisfied with the German team. They
have a lot of young top-talented
players. The midfield is maybe as
strong as ever.
"But great players don't automatically
lead to success. In 1982, Brazil had
the best team by far with stars like
Zico, Socrates or Eder - but in the end
Italy won the World Cup. The
tournament is never predictable."
Pele was then asked if he feels Bayern
Munich made a mistake in not signing
Neymar at Pep Guardiola's request, to
which he replied:
"Yes, if there is a chance to get
Neymar you must take it. He improves
every team in the world."
The 73-year-old also revealed he has
been approached by several clubs to
take over as coach but he has never
been interested.
"I have been asked often if I want to
become coach. Santos asked me every
year since I stopped playing in 1974.
Also Milan, Benfica and the Brazilian
national team wanted me.
"But I never accepted these offers
because the job would have made me
crazy. I might have demanded too
much of the players.
"As a coach you have to bear a lot.
Coaches often suffer with the
pressure. I always enjoyed sitting on
the stands and not on the bench.
He joked: "I only would have thought
twice if Bayern would have asked."
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