EUROS TITLE: Underdogs just as likely to win
SPAIN and Germany are the most talented teams at Euro 2012 but the best, said Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, don't always win short tournaments.
"Spain and Germany are the best teams but if you ask me which teams could surprise, I would say England, Russia and France," said Mourinho, who made a flying visit to Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
"It will not surprise me if an outsider lifts the title as the best do not always win in short tournaments.
"Of course, I would love to see Portugal win it but they need a good result in their final group match against the Netherlands to advance to the quarter-finals. I am quite worried as this match is important."
On what a team need to do to make a difference at Euro 2012, Mourinho said they need to be consistent.
"It is a short tournament unlike the World Cup and a team must be consistent in the group stage to advance to the quarter-finals and so on," said Mourinho, who was in KL as a guest of Berjaya Group founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan.
On why top players tend to fail to meet the demands of international tournaments, he said it was difficult for them to cope with the pressure.
"It is different with club football as players work together everyday with their coaches and other staff. (Cristiano) Ronaldo and (Wayne) Rooney cope better in club football as they have the support from their teammates.
"But the situation is different when they represent their countries as they are expected to make a difference.
"I think it is difficult for the stars but they need to cope with the pressure as top players.
"However, I don't think it is fair for them to be put under so much pressure," said the 49-year-old.
The former Chelsea manager also pointed out that it was difficult for national coaches to gel their players for big tournaments.
"I am a big supporter of national coaches as it is a very difficult job. They don't have players to work with until a few days before a tournament or a match.
"It is tough sometimes for them to motivate their players, who are gathered after months of club football, for tournaments. I see a lot of teams failing to meet expectations at the Euros," said Mourinho, who won the first ever Fifa best coach award in 2010.
On whether he has ambition to manage a national team, Mourinho said he will definitely do it in the near future.
"I like the pressure and adrenaline rush of club football and as I am just starting out, I will continue to do that for another 10 or 15 years before thinking about coaching a national team," Mourinho added.
The "Special One" said he is also interested to share his coaching methods with coaches from Asia.
"Asia are good in many sports but far off in football. I am willing to help them.
"You can buy the best facilities with money but you can't buy someone's else knowledge with money. I will accept those who come to Europe to spend a few days with me to learn and understand my coaching methods," he said.
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