Japan's national soccer team coach Ivica Osim is in intensive care after suffering a stroke Nov. 16, the Japan Football Association said.

The 66-year-old Bosnian coach, who took charge of the national team after the 2006 World Cup, collapsed after climbing the stairs at his house in the early hours of Nov. 16 and was taken to a hospital in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture.

"This has come as a shock and we are praying for his recovery," tearful JFA chief Saburo Kawabuchi told media.

"I'm not sure if I should say this, but he is in a very serious condition," Kawabuchi added.

JFA General Secretary Kozo Tashima said he was unaware of any health problems the coach might have had.