Speaking to Spanish radio station Onda Cero, former Chelsea player Juan Mata has not ruled Chelsea out of the title race just yet.
We have seen the gap of 10 points arrive in two months, I think Chelsea will come out of that situation quickly. In fact, I do not rule them out of the title fight.
These comments are interesting coming from a player that didn’t exactly leave Stamford Bridge on fantastic terms, at least not with the manager. Which is why the comments are intriguing, given that Mourinho himself has admitted that winning the league would be difficult at this point.
Mata commented on Mourinho as a character in football as well.
He is not the most incredible character I have ever encountered in football. There are many characters in football, though perhaps they are not all as well known. Journalists always say in England that he gives them a lot of work and play, so I guess he is good for journalists.
Juan Mata’s Manchester United remain firmly in the title race, just two points off of the pace-setters, Manchester City. United are coming off of a 3-0 loss to Arsenal, a team which Mourinho’s men dispatched 2-0 though the game was immersed in controversy.
Mata remains a well-respected player among Chelsea fans, and his words may provide encouragement for fans. That being said, Chelsea will need a lot more than kind words from a former player to claw their way back into the title discussion. Still, they prove that the Spaniard is a true professional, showing public respect for his former club.
