Muller admits to Die Mannschaft pressure

Thomas Muller admits Germany will need to deal with the extra pressure of being world champions when they start their Euro 2016 campaign.

After a string of near misses, Die Mannschaft’s talented squad finally justified their hype as they won the 2014 World Cup but have stuttered at times since Brazil and a number of questions hang over them heading into the upcoming tournament.

Joachim Low’s men are due to meet Poland, Ukraine and Northern Ireland in Group C and are currently the 1.40 favourites to top the pool.

Having lost to Slovakia over the weekend, Low’s side will now be hoping to restore some confidence when they face Hungary in their final warm-up match on Saturday.

After resting a number of his stars in the defeat to the Slovaks, the boss is likely to recall a number of his big guns in Gelsenkirchen and Muller is certain to feature.

The Bayern Munich man has been a regular since shining at the 2010 World Cup and will be looking to play a leading role in France.

Muller admits his side have struggled at times since their victory in Brazil but now need to come together by rising to the pressure of being world champions at the Euros. “We face a big challenge,” he told Omnisport.

“As current world champions we will definitely be one of the favourites. For that reason there will be added pressure, pressure we’ll have to face up to. “We had some difficulties after the World Cup, and weren’t perfect in qualifying. We want to show that we have developed, and are capable of competing for the trophy.”

Germany are currently 5.00 to win Euro 2016, with hosts France the 4.00 favourites, while holders Spain are 6.00.