Ahead of Spain’s Euro Qualifying matches against Luxembourg and Ukraine, Manchester United star Juan Mata gives his opinion on few things relating to what’s going on in world football.
The major talking point in Spain at the moment is Real Madrid players’ frustration with the style of football played under Rafael Benitez.
After Madrid drew 1-1 with Atletico last weekend, few Real Madrid players were unhappy with the club’s defensive strategy deployed by Rafa, despite Los Blancos taking the lead at the Calderon.
For instance, Karim Benzema vented his frustration of being subbed in the match, while captain Sergio Ramos openly criticised Rafa’s defensive mindset, claiming it goes against the tradition of Madrid’s style of play.
Damn! Ramos and Benzema are ripping into Benitez.
— Šai (@TheEngancheRole) October 6, 2015
Benzema said he is fed up of Rafa sacrificing him for defensive subs later in the game.
— Šai (@TheEngancheRole) October 6, 2015
Rafa was talking about Ramos’ mistake in the derby. Ramos replied with, ‘it wasn’t intentional’ and then questioned his subs.
— Šai (@TheEngancheRole) October 6, 2015
Ramos says, Madrid should have been trying to score the second after leading. Not sit back & defend. It’s not what Real Madrid are about.
— Šai (@TheEngancheRole) October 6, 2015
When Juan Mata was asked to comment on Benitez, the Spaniard who excelled under Rafa during their time at Valencia, has only good words to say:
I don’t think Benitez is a conservative manager. When the match needs him to attack, he does it with everything he’s got. He lives for football, studies the rivals to the most minute detail.
Mata was then asked to comment on the on-going tension between Victor Valdes and United manager Louis van Gaal – the pair reportedly do not enjoy a good working relationship anymore.
I don’t know what happened between Valdes and Van Gaal. I don’t get involved but I support Victor in a difficult moment like this.
Louis van Gaal divides opinion among the Manchester United players and fans but Mata says the Dutchman is playing an ‘important’ role at United.
I like Van Gaal as a manager, it’s important for me that my managers are also good people and he definitely is. He’s exactly like you see him in the press. He’s an honest person who tell you everything in your face, the good and the bad.
A lot has been said and written about Chelsea striker Diego Costa. The former Atletico striker was given a retrospective punishment for his behaviour during Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Arsenal.
Costa, who has struggled to replicate his goal scoring form for his country, hasn’t been picked up for the Spain duty this week. When asked to comment on the situation, Mata says Costa just needs to keep calm, and that goals will come for him surely.
Diego Costa is different from most, but he’s always been like that. I rather have him as a teammate than a rival. Being the striker for Spain is difficult and Costa needs to remain calm, the goals will come.
Mata’s interviews are always balanced, and he never says anything bad about anybody. Probably a reason why he is admired by the fans. Isn’t he a lovely bloke?
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