Juan Mata:I want to be a better player for Chelsea

Chelsea attacker Juan Mata says he is pleased with how the squad is playing and is proud for what he has achieved at the club but claims he wants to play more matches.

The Spaniard, who has found himself out of choice under Jose Mourinho, but is striving to reclaim his place in Chelsea starting XI.

“Obviously I want to play as much as I can and I feel really proud for what I have done for this club in the last two seasons, but I just try to be better,” said Mata to Sky Sports.

Asked about the competition for places due to the sheer number of attacking players at the club, Mata responded by saying: “I think it is good for me, for everyone.

“This much competitors that you have, you train to get better and to be in the first eleven. We have signed a lot of good players but he had good players in my first seasons here as well.

“I think football is about staying hungry and trying to be better and better.”

Mata, 25, scored his first goal of the season in the Capital One Cup victory at Arsenal on Tuesday night and is pleased with the way the squad are responding with each other.

“No matter if we play against top sides, or not really big teams, everyone is ready to play and I think it is the best thing you can have in a club.

“Everyone commits with the coach.”