🇪🇸 Juan Mata

[Barbara 15,149]

and still people come in here and say "he didnt try" blabla. but they surely have a better insight on this than Mourinho

You didn't read the whole thing though. Mourinho sort of implied Mata left because he couldn't deal with not being first choice and threw a maybe after saying he didn't make him stronger. I think the veiled message below is that Mata didn't like the position of having to fight for his position and therefore left - and where José says maybe it made him stronger, he may believe the opposite actually.

"I am sorry that I didn't make him a stronger player. Maybe it was something new for him, not to be a first choice (player) in a difficult moment," said Mourinho.

"Maybe that made him, as a man, as a player, stronger but I gave him nothing to be honest and I feel sorry with that.

So he first admits he didn't make Mata a stronger player, then he says MAYBE Mata is now a stronger player because of what happened - which makes no sense. How can a spell in the bench make a player better if said player chooses to leave to play wherever he's likely to have more play time? Is only me or there's no way there's any reasoning if Mata chose to leave at the end of the day? I can imagine a player becoming stronger if he faces the challenge and overcomes it, not gives up a few months later.

I think the message between the lines is very clear. Those two sentences seem very purposefully constructed by Jose - as is everything he says. I think he believes Mata left because he wasn't comfortable having to fight for the position (which is different from trying imo). I guess Mourinho feels that when Mata realized it wouldn't be easy, he just gave up - which may or may not happened and not me or you or anyone else but Mata (or people close to him) can deny or confirm.

I will never say Mata didn't try, because it was clear for me he's tried hard when he was in the pitch. I personally think he's left because he didn't want to fight once he realized how big of a fight that would be. Even then I don't blame him because I feel that may have been a lost battle for him anyway, so why bother especially in a WC year?

In another note:

"I would like to win the Premier League," the midfielder said on MUTV. "It's a very special trophy and I think at this club you can achieve anything. I am young and I have been lucky enough to win some trophies but I want to win a lot more."

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jan/27/juan-mata-manchester-united-win-title-chelsea

I really feel sorry for him if that's why he went there. I don't know if he's delusional or hopeless, but how can someone hope to be EPL champ going to a team that could take a little while to be rebuilt and that has a manager who thought Mata had more goals than assists in the past two years (Moyes is really clueless) and who I'm not sure knows how to use a player like him. In another article (or maybe was the same) Mata said that once he heard Moyes was interested on him his reaction was 'wow'.

I really feel sorry for Mata because he definitely deserved better. I think he really believes those things, but poor thing, he is in for a big disappointment... Even if United do sign as many guys as they're yelling at the top of their lungs they will, I'm not sure Moyes can do anything with them. How long and how many VERY expensive signings did it take for Mancini do well in the EPL? And even then that was won a hair distance ahead of ManUtd

[Martina 210]

I would be more inclined to believe this if it wasn't from the DM.

Guardian was the first to bring the story (last night)

http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/jan/26/chelsea-manchester-united-juan-mata-transfer

I only added few things to it from the DM - one date and one quote, nothing major.

[Barbara 15,149]

I agree. Even Real, atleast when José was there, had Alonso as an instrumental piece to their success, although they are the best example I can think of building around a single player's strengths. But it's not the best way to go by when you build a team.

allow me to correct you on a bit - or disagree.

Ronaldo is such an all-around attacking player that it isn't the system that is built around him, but he simply bosses the system, whatever system that may be because he simply doesn't have an attack weakness. Pace, power, strength, technical ability, dribble, head skill, set-piece skill, physicality, and everything else (attacking wise) I can think and Ronaldo has it.

Barcelona are the ones who made their system dependable on Messi as once he got injured they weren't able to keep it up whereas RM don't build a system around Ronaldo, he simply steps in and makes it his system (literally, as he's selfish as heck and I'm a fan and supporter of his selfishness because he's earned that right). But it's not a Ronaldo-oriented system, as they adapt very quickly to different tactical systems. Ronaldo is just so good attacking that he simply takes ownership of the ball and rocks it. Messi is more dependable on a system that favors his attributes (and covers his weaknesses), although I personally believe Messi is more talented than Ronaldo. Messi is all born gift whereas Ronaldo is all hard work imo. Barça learned how to depend on Messi's incredible gift and made up a system that capitalizes it, but they forgot that the system should work without him as well because that is one of his weaknesses, especially compared to Cris - he's becoming a bit prone to injuries whereas Cris seems to be made of steel.

[LAB 1,030]

I think he didn't have the will to try very hard for his place not only because he realized it was a huge battle, but also because in the past 2 years he (as well as the fans) saw himself becoming the new ultimate hero of this club. So he raised expectations and when such wonderful dreams fall apart and you fall from the sky you just carry on with whatever makes you happy ultimately (playing football).

[The_Flash 1,144]

I'm sorry but his 'unveiling' made me sick. What such self indulgent drivel

He said :-

"...When I heard Moyes wanted me, I thought 'Wow..."

"...'I would like to win the Premier League. It's a very special trophy for every player that plays in this country. At this club I believe you can achieve anything."

Come on Juan no one speaking to Moyes says wow??

Why do you have to mention in every ****** interview that you had a difficult time. You sat on the bench a wee while and Jose's wasn't falling over himself to make it the 'Mata' Show' so you acted like a child and wanted out. Well hope your happy now, I'm sure the bench at Utd is comfier while everyone else is playing in the Champions league.

He said he can cope with the pressure of being Utd's most expensive signing but you didn't take no 7??? Good no way you deserve it

As for winning the title, you trying to say chelsea can't achieve that **** off,

Good luck with winning it this season with Utd.

[The Skipper 20,609]

Guardian was the first to bring the story (last night)

http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/jan/26/chelsea-manchester-united-juan-mata-transfer

I only added few things to it from the DM - one date and one quote, nothing major.

The DM article makes it sound like Mata only wanted United when the Guardian's article just says he was keen, so I think the DM story was a bit sensationalised to make it sound like Mata was desperate for a move to only United when I think that Mata was just desperate for a move a way in general, not in particularly to United.

[Martina 210]

The DM article makes it sound like Mata only wanted United when the Guardian's article just says he was keen, so I think the DM story was a bit sensationalised to make it sound like Mata was desperate for a move to only United when I think that Mata was just desperate for a move a way in general, not in particularly to United.

I’m aware of that. That’s why I asked whether his father contacted other clubs. Because as far as I know United was the only club they approached.

[Rmpr 8,977]

Mata was so classy, I will definitely miss him!

I will never get my head around Juan wearing this horrible red jersey, but I think it was for the best. The club gets a good amount of money and the player gets to be a starter again...

When I first heard about the deal, I went nuts and couldnt believe it. Mata to United? Are we stupid? Why didnt we offer him to the PSGs of the world? But after giving many thoughts about, I come to the conclusion it wasnt such a bad deal. Yes, he is going to Manchester (which says a lot), but it is indeed 37mi pounds for a "squad player" who is out of form. Not the best deal in the world, but a very good one that pleases all parties involved in it.

However, please stop disrespecting Mata just because he decided to go to ManUtd. Let's remember how thankful and respectful he has been about Chelsea during his time here (especially now) and how many great moments he has given us. Also, let's not be hypocrites to the point where we would sit here and deny that any of us would decline a better salary, with more playing time!

I bet Mata and Mourinho would have preferred that things worked out, but just because they didnt, it doesnt mean Mata and/or Mourinho are evil or traitors or whatever!!!

The best we can do is remember the good moments and forget the bad ones. We should thank Mata for the amazing things he has done and wish him good luck on a personal level (because I aint rooting for Manure, lol)...

[sk21 11]

I bet Mata and Mourinho would have preferred that things worked out, but just because they didnt, it doesnt mean Mata and/or Mourinho are evil or traitors or whatever!!!

mourinho isnt - mata obviously is a traitor of highest caliber. instead of trying to fight for his place in this squad - he forced a transfer to chelseas big rivals. it doesnt get much worse than that..

[Rmpr 8,977]

mourinho isnt - mata obviously is a traitor of highest caliber. instead of trying to fight for his place in this squad - he forced a transfer to chelseas big rivals. it doesnt get much worse than that..

LOL

[Jase 43,479]

I'm sorry but his 'unveiling' made me sick. What such self indulgent drivel

He said :-

"...When I heard Moyes wanted me, I thought 'Wow..."

"...'I would like to win the Premier League. It's a very special trophy for every player that plays in this country. At this club I believe you can achieve anything."

Come on Juan no one speaking to Moyes says wow??

Why do you have to mention in every ****** interview that you had a difficult time. You sat on the bench a wee while and Jose's wasn't falling over himself to make it the 'Mata' Show' so you acted like a child and wanted out. Well hope your happy now, I'm sure the bench at Utd is comfier while everyone else is playing in the Champions league.

He said he can cope with the pressure of being Utd's most expensive signing but you didn't take no 7??? Good no way you deserve it

As for winning the title, you trying to say chelsea can't achieve that **** off,

Good luck with winning it this season with Utd.

mourinho isnt - mata obviously is a traitor of highest caliber. instead of trying to fight for his place in this squad - he forced a transfer to chelseas big rivals. it doesnt get much worse than that..

No offence but this is an example of people being so tribalistic that they can't think of something objectively and resort to cliches and petty attacks on the player.

[sk21 11]

No offence but this is a good example of people being so tribalistic that they can't think of something objectively and resort to cliches and petty attacks on the player.

come again? it went exactly like that. mourinho wanted to keep mata (even if he felt that the guy wasnt good enough to play for the club. he was still willing to keep him) but mata forced a transfer. mourinho has said it millions (aaaaaaaaand millions) times that hes willing to keep mata.

theres absolutely no other way to see this.

[bababoom 4,478]

I'm sorry but his 'unveiling' made me sick. What such self indulgent drivel

He said :- "...When I heard Moyes wanted me, I thought 'Wow..." "...'I would like to win the Premier League. It's a very special trophy for every player that plays in this country. At this club I believe you can achieve anything."

Come on Juan no one speaking to Moyes says wow??

What do you want him to say? he's a United player now, he's saying all the right things. At least he's not slagging us off, like a few players in the past.

Why do you have to mention in every ****** interview that you had a difficult time. You sat on the bench a wee while and Jose's wasn't falling over himself to make it the 'Mata' Show' so you acted like a child and wanted out. Well hope your happy now, I'm sure the bench at Utd is comfier while everyone else is playing in the Champions league.

You're so bitter it's hilarious.. how did he act like a child? He wanted to play more, United offered a big sum of money and seeing as he didn't fit in Jose's system it was a no-brainer. It was right for all parties involved.

'Jose wasnt falling over himself to make it the 'Mata show'

He said he can cope with the pressure of being Utd's most expensive signing but you didn't take no 7??? Good no way you deserve it

He wasn't offered no.7, it's most likely being groomed for Januzaj.

As for winning the title, you trying to say chelsea can't achieve that **** off,

Good luck with winning it this season with Utd.

He didn't say that at all...

Shocking how some fans have already turned on Mata... sad. I personally wish him all the best.

[DDA 9,941]

I will never turn on Mata because let's face it. The guy is truly a humble man who knows how to play football.

But

When I turned SSN on to see him holding that number 8 short of United... I felt sick to my stomach.

I don't care how financially astute or fair to Mata this transfer is... you do not sell one of your best players in their prime to one of your biggest direct rivals.

End of.

I just can't get my head around it.

[Kieran. 6,317]

No offence but this is an example of people being so tribalistic that they can't think of something objectively and resort to cliches and petty attacks on the player.

Football fans being tribalistic?! ....

[Eidur the Spider 4,515]

Lampard (1/2): "Juan Mata is an absolutely fantastic player and more than that he is an absolutely great lad..." (ITV) #CFC

Lampard (2/2): "The difficult thing here is that there are so many quality players & Oscar has been fantastic this year, as has Hazard" #CFC

[Jase 43,479]

come again? it went exactly like that. mourinho wanted to keep mata (even if he felt that the guy wasnt good enough to play for the club. he was still willing to keep him) but mata forced a transfer. mourinho has said it millions (aaaaaaaaand millions) times that hes willing to keep mata.

theres absolutely no other way to see this.

You are only looking at a tree and not the forest. Yes, Mourinho has said he wants to keep Mata (he's probably just being diplomatic about it) but it's obvious to all, or at least to many, fans that he only sees Mata as a squad player especially again, when it's clear that he doesn't fit into the system we are playing now. He has worked hard, tried to adapt, tried to fit into the system but it was never going to be enough for Mourinho's liking.

Moreover, Jose has pretty much indicated this when he said he wanted to bring Mata on in recent games to change things when it's still 0-0 (only for us to go score shortly after it) and how Mata doesn't want to be playing against the likes of Stoke but teams like United, City etc. It's clear that from what Mourinho and Mata himself said, he wants to be a first team player, he doesn't want to be just a squad player and even if it means leaving for United, then so be it. We all love him and likewise as well but we can't be selfish and think only from a fan's POV and expect Mata to sacrifice his own career to just sit on the bench half of the time here.

[Jase 43,479]

Football fans being tribalistic?! ....

Think I know what you're trying to say or imply from that response but not 100% sure...

[sk21 11]

You are only looking at a tree and not the forest. Yes, Mourinho has said he wants to keep Mata (he's probably just being diplomatic about it) but it's obvious to all, or at least to many, fans that he only sees Mata as a squad player especially again, when it's clear that he doesn't fit into the system we are playing now. He has worked hard, tried to adapt, tried to fit into the system but it was never going to be enough for Mourinho's liking.

Moreover, Jose has pretty much indicated this when he said he wanted to bring Mata on in recent games to change things when it's still 0-0 (only for us to go score shortly after it) and how Mata doesn't want to be playing against the likes of Stoke but teams like United, City etc. It's clear that from what Mourinho and Mata himself said, he wants to be a first team player, he doesn't want to be just a squad player and even if it means leaving for United, then so be it. We all love him and likewise as well but we can't be selfish and think only from a fan's POV and expect Mata to sacrifice his own career to just sit on the bench half of the time here.

you mean he simply knew that he wasnt good enough so all the fight for starting place would have been waste of time? interesting point and to be fair youre probably right with that. just expected him to fight a bit longer than 4 months lol

[Martina 210]

My guess (I have no evidence - it was only a feeling - highly subjective) based on some interviews shortly after it was announced that José was coming to Chelsea was that Mata wasn’t thrilled at all. And if it’s true that he approached United in August then there might be something to it.

It’s no secret that Mata is a very close friend of Casillas - so perhaps he was slightly apprehensive about Mourinho to begin with? Perhaps he would have been more positive under a different manager? Because I honestly believe Rooney is to Moyes what Oscar is to Mourinho, obviously for different reasons. So Mata might face a similar situation in United.

Mata was at his best under Benitez, who had the luxury of being an “interim” and didn’t have to build a team for the future. Let’s face it - there was no system at all. But as much as I hate Benitez I think he might be a better manager than Moyes - and Moyes must build for the future. Not for a second do I think that United will turn it around just because they’ve got Mata.

(I don’t believe José wanted to keep Mata as much as he says he did. I think it was mutual, at least towards the end they both just wanted to move on. And I think the club dealt with it really well).

Anyways, here are some thoughts on where Mata might play in United:

http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/tacticsandanalysis/id/2524?cc=5739