Ticos' Coach Draws Inspiration from Mourinho

• AFP, Thursday, July 3, 2014 3:18 PM

The AFP reports that Costa Rica’s fairytale run to the World Cup quarterfinals owes much to Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho, whose coaching philosophy Ticos coach Jorge Luis Pinto says he admires. Pinto, who began his coaching career with Colombian club Millonarios and has since won league titles in Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru and Venezuela, is like Mourinho an ardent believer in the ethic of work and more work to keep his players sharp.

Pinto began his second spell in charge of the Costa Rican national team in 2011, following a short stint in charge from 2004-2005. Costa Rica is a country of just 4.8 million people, and most of its players play for unglamorous clubs.

"I agree with Mourinho who says soccer is first about training methods: the conception, the practice and, of course, the strategy," Pinto says, adding: "We will not rest on our laurels. Our World Cup is far from over. We have shown that we can play good soccer and that makes me proud."

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