José Mourinho: I want to keep Juan Mata, but...
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Chelsea manager José Mourinho admits that he does not want to lose Juan Mata in the upcoming transfer window, although the door is open if he wants to leave Stamford Bridge.
Mata, who has started just nine Premier League games under Mourinho this season, reacted furiously to being substituted in Chelsea's 3-0 win over Southampton on New Year's Day.
The 25-year-old ignored Mourinho, slammed his seat in the dug out, and threw his arms up in frustration as he voiced his anger.
A clearly frustrated Mata had to be calmed down by teammate Michael Essien, who was sat on the bench at the time.
Mourinho claims Mata reacted that way because he was unhappy at the scoreline - which stood at 0-0 when he was substituted.
The Portuguese said in his post-match conference: "I didn't see the reaction, his frustration was because of the result - we have to win.
"If we don't win this game then the difference to the leaders is bigger. At the end of the game, everyone including him was celebrating the victory."
Asked if Mata could be on his way out of the club, Mourinho explained: "I want to keep him. I don't want him to go. That is my opinion, my wish, but my door is open.
"The club's door is open too so when a player wants to speak to us we are there waiting for them.
"But if you are asking do you want the club to sell him? I don't want to."
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| Juan Mata has endured a frustrating time since José Mourinho's return to Chelsea Photo: Getty Images |
Mata, who has started just nine Premier League games under Mourinho this season, reacted furiously to being substituted in Chelsea's 3-0 win over Southampton on New Year's Day.
The 25-year-old ignored Mourinho, slammed his seat in the dug out, and threw his arms up in frustration as he voiced his anger.
A clearly frustrated Mata had to be calmed down by teammate Michael Essien, who was sat on the bench at the time.
Mourinho claims Mata reacted that way because he was unhappy at the scoreline - which stood at 0-0 when he was substituted.
The Portuguese said in his post-match conference: "I didn't see the reaction, his frustration was because of the result - we have to win.
"If we don't win this game then the difference to the leaders is bigger. At the end of the game, everyone including him was celebrating the victory."
Asked if Mata could be on his way out of the club, Mourinho explained: "I want to keep him. I don't want him to go. That is my opinion, my wish, but my door is open.
"The club's door is open too so when a player wants to speak to us we are there waiting for them.
"But if you are asking do you want the club to sell him? I don't want to."
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