Roma are currently training in Japan ahead of two club friendlies that await them in the next few days. The Samurais squeezed a narrow but all-important 2-1 win over Germany in their opening group matchday at the FIFA World Cup, and Giallorossi manager Jose Mourinho does not seem surprised by the result.
When giving an interview to the local media (via Voce Giallorossa), the Special One was asked his impression on Japan’s victory.
“The truth? I had it on TV, but I was sleeping. I was in bed with the thought of watching the game, but I fell asleep. Certainly we must congratulate Japan on the fantastic victory, but to be honest it is not this big surprise for me. Japan is a good team, with good players who have accumulated the necessary experience in these events. Most of them play in Europe where they grew up fast and I think the mentality of the players can make a difference compared to the European players who are focused on individualities, on their ego.”
He then went on to praise the Japanese, and Asian players in general for their mentality.
“I have never trained Japanese players, but Asian players in my case it was easy, because I trained the best Asian player Heun Ming Son and you notice a special mentality, where the team is the most important aspect. They play for the team not for themselves. Japan has humble players fighting for the team. Surely Germany that has an important football history and will probably qualify and move forward in the tournament, but even if I haven’t seen the game it didn’t seem like a big surprise.”
Freiburg winger Ritsu Doan first cancelled Ilkay Gundogan’s penalty in the 75th minute, before VfL Bochum forward Takuma Asano put the game to bed eight minutes later. The Bundesliga duo handed Japan their first ever win over Germany. They play Costa Rica next before taking on Spain, who are now favorites to progress as group leaders.
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