‘Frustrated’ Mata confident he and ALM can rise again
Anna Harrington |
Juan Mata is adamant things can only improve, for both the A-League and himself, after the former Premier League star joined Melbourne Victory for his second season in Australia.
Ex-Spain, Manchester United and Chelsea playmaker Mata has switched from Western Sydney to the Victory for the upcoming season.
There have been massive financial cut-backs across the league, with Mata one of few big names left.
But the 37-year old reflected fondly on the reaction to his social media posts of games from his first year in Australia.
“I had so many ex-teammates asking me, ‘wow, we didn’t know there was this atmosphere in the A-League,” he said.
“And I tell them that the reality is good. I understand that the A-League is in a challenging moment financially, and I only see the way up.
“I only see that this country is going to keep improving.
“And hopefully, some players that are playing in Europe right now can come to Australia now or in a couple of years and can help raise the standards. Because I think it’s the way that it’s going to develop.”
Mata watched the likes of Nicolas Milanovic and Zac Sapsford earn overseas moves from the Wanderers and rates the Australian talent pool.
“I really believe that the future can be bright in Australia,” he said.
The prospect of more game time and a clear role at the Victory under Arthur Diles swayed Mata, who had offers from Western Sydney and overseas.
A diplomatic Mata praised the Wanderers, but it was clear a lack of playing minutes last season under Alen Stajcic played a role in his departure.
The classy midfielder made just seven starts in 23 ALM appearances, scoring one goal and conceded he was “frustrated” not to play more.
Mata felt Diles focused on what he could deliver on the field, likely as an attacking midfielder, rather than his off-field profile.
“Of course, game time is something that we all want as football players and it is difficult for coaches to make decisions,” he said.
“But also, in my conversation with Arthur, I felt that he’s willing to play with my qualities to try to help the team on the pitch as well as off the pitch.
“I really felt that this style of play and the players that we have in the dressing room, we can do a good season, hopefully.
“… I’m not somebody that demands game time just for the sake of it. I know that coaches have to make decisions based on fairness and I agree with that.
“What I’m ready to do is try to give my best to contribute to the team. I’m very happy to hear that Arthur is willing to be on the same page and to work together.”
The Spaniard flew into Melbourne from Europe on Tuesday and met his teammates that morning.
Mata is the Victory’s most high-profile recruit of an off-season signing spree including Socceroos Denis Genreau and Jason Davidson.
Last year’s grand finalists haven’t won a premiership since 2014-15 or a championship since 2017-18 and will hope Mata can give that extra lift of quality.
“Hopefully this season we can do what they did, which is go to the finals, but change that final result and hopefully win,” Mata said.
Mata’s brilliant international career included winning the 2010 World Cup and 2012 Euros with Spain.
At club level, he enjoyed trophy-laden years at Valencia, Chelsea and Manchester United.
He then had short stints at Galatasaray and Vissel Kobe, winning the Turkish Super Lig and J1 League in Japan respectively before joining the Wanderers last September.
AAP
