Spanish midfielder Juan Mata is ready to face his former club when Manchester United take on Chelsea this Saturday. Mata had made 135 appearances for Chelsea and scored 33 goals, before he signed for the Man United in January 2014.
Speaking to MUTV ahead of Saturday’s clash between the Blues and the Reds, Juan Mata said, “It’s always a special game for me against Chelsea and it will be tough – they are doing good.” He added, “They have a new manager and they play with more or less the same players but in a certain style.
The Spaniard, who spent three-and-a-half seasons with the Blues, also said, ”I know many players and people from the backroom staff there,“ adding, ”Cesar Azpilicueta is a very good friend from the time I was playing there. David Luiz is still there, Willian’s still there. Eden Hazard, who is a good friend, and Gary Cahill… so there are still some players there I know.“
Speaking about Chelsea’s new manager Maurizio Sarri, Mata said the Italian had provided fresh impetus at Blues since his appointment in the summer. “I believe they have a good team, a good squad and they have a squad full of quality players, experienced players,” Mata said.
Mata also said, “They have players like Hazard, Willian, Pedro and Cesc Fabregas. They signed Jorginho who fits perfectly with Sarri’s style, so I’m not surprised with the way they are playing, because I think they have the players to play like that.”