Japan coach Osim showing signs of improvement after stroke
Nov 18 08:13 AM US/Eastern
Japan national soccer coach Ivica Osim is showing signs of improvement after suffering a serious stroke, Japan Football Association General Secretary Kozo Tashima said Sunday.
"It is still touch and go but there are signs that his condition is improving as a result of his strength and the treatment he has been receiving," Tashima told reporters.
The Bosnian coach, who took charge of the national team after the 2006 World Cup, collapsed in the early hours of Friday morning (on Nov. 16) at his house and was taken to a hospital in Urayasu, east of Tokyo, where he is in intensive care.
Osim is still unconscious but his condition has taken a turn for the better according to doctors' observations. Osim's eldest daughter arrived in Japan on Sunday and is by his side at the hospital with his wife.
Tashima said there has been a steady stream of get-well messages coming in for Osim from fellow coaches, players and leading figures in the soccer world.
He revealed Sepp Blatter, head of soccer's world governing body FIFA, expressed concern over Osim's condition in a phone call and said former Japan coach Zico had also sent a message expressing hope for his recovery.
Osim has suffered heart problems and high blood pressure in recent years.
Post je objavljen 18.11.2007. u 22:13 sati.