Steve Holland: "Mata should trust Jose Mourinho"

Juan Mata (L) during his side’s match against Aston Villa in the English Premier League (Getty Images)

Chelsea‘s assistant first-team coach, Steve Holland, has advised Juan Mata to place his trust in Jose Mourinho and give him the benefit of doubt, according to reports from Sky Sports. Steve believes that Mata has the capability to adapt to Mourinho’s tactics, in the same way he adapted to playing under Rafa Benitez and Carlo Ancelotti.

Holland also cited the example of Cristiano Ronaldo, who improved his game under Mourinho at Real Madrid. He said, “If you look at Jose’s three-year period working with Ronaldo, he’s really evolved as an individual. He’s not just a talented dribbler and runner with the ball who can score goals.

“He has become a top-level match-winner who wants to run in behind, make runs, threaten the goal.

“I don’t think that just happens. That comes with pushing, even if it’s the best.”

Steve Holland seems to have a high opinion of Jose Mourinho.

“He (Mourinho) is always pushing, pushing the players to the maximum every day. That’s evident not just in his teams, but in the individuals he’s worked with.”, he added.

“On a day-to-day basis, he (Mourinho) will be pushing for signs of improvement, working to progress the individual but ultimately for the benefit of the team.”

Oscar seems to be Mourinho’s preferred play-making number 10, leaving Mata with a wide-right role which necessitates tracking back in defence.

“Having to adapt – and Jose has used that phrase – is nothing particularly new here,” said Holland.

“It’s another adaptation that is required. Juan has shown in his time here that he’s more than capable of doing that. And I’m sure that will be the case this time.”

Holland is of the belief that the style of play Jose employed at Real Madrid relied much on movement off the ball, and this will reap rewards at Stamford Bridge.

“The challenge, when the balance is loaded offensively like that, is that you don’t just play with the ball, you have to play without the ball as well,” Holland added.

“That’s a challenge he (Mourinho) clearly managed to do (at Real Madrid), given the results that he had.

“He’s quite clear in his mind, given the success he’s had, what is his recipe for success. I’m quite sure that can be achieved here as well.”