Jose Mourinho and Juan Mata’s frosty relationship continues apace, as the Spanish footballer was apparently angry at being substituted in Manchester United’s FA Community Shield win over Leicester City. Red Devils’ manager Jose Mourinho also went on to explain the reasoning behind his decision to recall Mata.
Speaking after Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Leicester City in the Charity Shield, courtesy a late Zlatan Ibrahimovic winner, Mourinho defended his decision that was seen as harsh in some quarters. Mata was a 63rd minute subtitute, but was pulled off in injury time, with the Spaniard looking visibly frustrated.
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Mourinho acknowledged that taking Mata off was not nice, saying “I know I did something which is not nice to do which is replace Mata, but he's happy now. The rules allowed six changes, and I wanted to stop the game, to kill time. I have one more player [to bring on] and I have to pick the smallest one [to come off].”
With Leicester City chasing the game, Mourinho valued a potential trophy over an unhappy Mata, saying “He played very well, he gave me exactly what I needed. However I knew it would end with long balls, throw-ins, so I don't pick [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic or [Marouane] Fellaini for sure. Mata is the smallest one. He was very angry but they threw everything. We want to win and everybody is happy in the end.”
Mourinho’s was nervous about United’s trophy chances before the game
Having won the FA Cup in Louis van Gaal’s final match in charge of Manchester United, the Red Devils earned the right to face off against 2015/16 Premier League champions Leicester City. However, Mourinho described his preparations as less than ideal before the FA Community Shield kicked off.
Additionally, the surface at Wembley gave Mourinho plenty of pause, and the Portuguese tactician also blamed United’s concession, refusing to castigate Marouane Fellaini, saying “It's a mistake of the slow pitch," he said. "I put my hand on the surface and thought 'wow, we're in trouble' because we wanted a fast pitch. Marouane gives the backpass, the ball slows down, and Vardy smells everything and is really fast.”
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However, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic popping up to save the day 7 minutes from time, both Jose Mourinho and Juan Mata ended the day on a happier note.
