Jose Mourinho has claimed he isn't surprised by Japan's shock 2-1 over Germany, claiming European football has big egos.
Jose Mourinho was speaking as 2014 World Cup winners Germany fell to a shock 2-1 defeat to Japan. After Ilkay Gundogan's first half penalty, Japan but in a brillaint performance and claimed a deserved victory with two second half goals through Ristu Doan and Takuma Asano secured a famous victory.
For Germany, they need to regroup quickly, as they face Spain who are top of the group after hammering Costa Rica 7-0 in their opening game.
Should they lose to Spain, Germany would face their second group stage exit from the World Cup in a row, a shocking outcome for a country that won football's biggest prize in 2014.
Jose Mourinho Not Surprised By Japan Victory
The victory was no surprise to Jose Mourinho, who claimed European nations have a problem when it comes to their ego.
Jose Mourinho claimed that Japan's togetherness and mentality played a huge part in their victory, while also having a dig at the current mentality of European football.
Jose Mourinho has said Japan’s victory over Germany wasn’t a ‘crazy surprise’ and that there is a big focus on egos in European football. pic.twitter.com/ExxvMyJD4j
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 24, 2022
"It was a fantastic achievement, but to be honest it wasn't a crazy surprise. Japan is a good team with good players, and is getting an accumulation of experience at these events.
The majority of the players play in Europe, where they develop faster, and understand better the high level game. I think the mentality of the players in the team can also make a difference. I think at this moment in time in Europe there is a big focus on the individual, big focus on ego's.
I never coached Japanese players but I coached Asian players. In my case I was lucky because I coached the best Asian players. I understand the mentality is really special, the team is the most important thing."
Strong words from Jose Mourinho, who pulled no punches in his current assessment of European football.
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