Juan Mata:
The match against Southampton has been a clear indication of things that might happen this January window. Having been substituted during the 50th minute, the Spaniard vented his frustration and was clearly not happy. It is really disheartening to see a player of such a caliber finding difficult to get a place in the starting berth.
Jose Mourinho has preferred Oscar over Mata in the number ten role, thus resigning the Spaniard to the bench and it surely has been the right choice as far as results are concerned. Oscar too deserves the plaudit having been absolutely sublime in the centre of attack linking time and well with the lone striker up front and also finding the back of the net at regular occasions, but the fact that he has managed to push Mata to the bench means that the Spaniard has to leave the Bridge for his own good. With the Worldcup imminent at the end of the season, Mata can easily find a club which can offer regular first team action.
After yesterday’s substitution in the second half against Southampton, Mata hit a seat in disappointment, with Mourinho saying,
‘I don’t want him to go, that is my opinion and that is my wish – but my door is open.
‘The club door is open too, so when a player wants to speak with us we are there waiting for them. But if you ask me do I want to sell him, I don’t want to.
‘I didn’t see the reaction, his frustration was because of the result – we have to win.
I have written this before and if rumours are to be believed French side PSG are ready to splash the cash for Mata, who would also look out for a move for more time on the pitch ahead of the showcase World Cup next year in Sambaland.