It’s been reported that Japan football team manager, 66-year-old Bosnian Ivica Osim suffered a stroke early on Friday morning while watching televised soccer at home and was taken to hospital in Urayasu, Chiba prefecture.

Outspoken Mr Osim, who famously was so angry after a game at this year’s Asian Cup, that in getting his message across to his team who he branded “amateurs”, reduced his translator to tears, has suffered from high blood pressure and a heart condition for some time, and has been undergoing monthly check-ups.

JFA president Saburo Kawabuchi, who was close to tears throughout yesterday’s press conference, told gathered reporters “His situation is very unstable. I hope he survives.”