Roma boss Jose Mourinho says he wasn’t surprised by Japan’s 2-1 victory against Germany because European teams often focus too much on ‘individuals’.
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Following Saudi Arabia’s incredible win against Argentina, Japan kept up the shocks with a win against Germany.
The Japanese came from behind in the second half of the game to inflict a shock defeat on Hansi Flick’s side, who must now beat Spain on Sunday to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
But the win didn’t come as a surprise to everyone. Mourinho, who is in Japan with his Roma team for a winter training camp, says he was not surprised by the victory because European teams are often too focused on individuals.
‘I didn’t see the game [Germany-Japan], I was in bed, the television was on but I fell asleep, I was absolutely destroyed after the trip,’ said Mourinho.
‘Congratulations to Japan, but it’s not such a big surprise, it’s a good team that is growing. In Europe, the focus is on individuals.
‘I’ve coached Asian players and I’m lucky because I’ve coached the best, they have the right mentality, so I think yesterday wasn’t a big surprise.
‘Here in Japan I try to be as kind as I can to the wonderful people who offer us incredible hospitality and I want to give something back.’
Japan now take on Costa Rica in their next match and they’ll fancy their chances after Spain’s 7-0 win against them on Wednesday.
Germany were eliminated out in the group stages of the 2018 World Cup after defeats against Mexico and South Korea, while Gareth Southgate’s England knocked them out of Euro 2021.
