2) Jose Mourinho – Juan Mata
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Juan Mata’s career at Chelsea pre-Mourinho could not have gone any better, with the Spaniard being voted the Chelsea fans Player of the Season two years in a row. When Jose made a much-celebrated return to the club, Mata looked primed to be the main man that the Portuguese would build his new-look Chelsea side around.
However, as things turned out Mourinho wanted as little to do with Mata as possible, frequently benching the Spaniard in favour of young Brazilian tyro, Oscar. Mourinho explained his reasoning, a veiled criticism of the lack of defensive work Mata put in, saying “It is one thing to play with Ramires and Oscar closing down opponents on each side, and Mata as a No10 behind a striker with his clever assists, clever passes, and fantastic actions because he has great talent.”
“But it is another thing to adapt to the way we want to play. In this moment, Oscar is my No10 and, if anyone tells me Oscar has not been Chelsea's best player this season, I'd have to disagree. I have to prove to the fans that I am good. Now [Mata] must do the same.”
Mata’s frustration came to the boil in his last Chelsea appearance when he was substituted. The Spaniard ignored his manager on the touchline and complained to his teammates on the bench. The reaction ought not to have been much of a surprise, given Mata later revealed “For better or for worse, we had no relationship. There was no dialogue. I was not happy.”
With Louis van Gaal’s current job perilously hanging by a thread,Mourinho looks all but set to take over at Manchester United, the club that purchased Mata from Chelsea. It would serve the duo well to put aside their difficulties, for Manchester United could surely use an inspirational Mourinho backing Juan Mata to show his best form.
