Mata has proved a point, says Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has hinted that Juan Mata is on his way to regaining a regular place in the Chelsea side.

The Spanish playmaker – a huge favourite among Blues fans – has struggled to get into the team since Mourinho’s return as manager.

But Mata responded with a determined performance in the midweek Capital One Cup win at Swindon, giving his boss food for thought.

And Mourinho said: “I liked the way Juan Mata played against Swindon. His attitude was very good and his effort was good.

“When a player makes an effort to come in my direction then I go to him as well.

“If he keeps working that way and adapting to my way of thinking I think the natural tendency is [for Mata] to be in the team.

“I can imagine from now him working into my way of thinking and I think the natural tendency will for him to be in the team.”

Mata is hoping to retain his place for Saturday’s derby against rivals Tottenham, where Mourinho will come up against Spurs’ former Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas.

Mourinho has refused to comment on reports of a rift with his fellow Portuguese, who worked under him at Chelsea, Inter Milan and Porto.

Villas-Boas has suggested that the pair’s friendship broke down because Mourinho was unwilling to extend his role beyond scouting.

“I’m not a kid to discuss relationships with the media. It’s a personal thing,” said Mourinho.

“I don’t care what he says. I’m here, not to comment on what he says. I’m not interested.”

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