Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho has admitted he regrets having been unable to make Juan Mata a better player after the Spain international completed a $66 million movefrom Chelsea to Manchester United. “I am sorry that I didn’t make him a stronger player. Maybe it was something new for him, not to be a first choice (player) in a difficult moment,” the Portuguesesaid.
“Maybe that made him, as a man, as a player, stronger but I gave him nothing to be honest and I feel sorry with that. I tried to make him play in a position where he was notcomfortable,” Mourinho added. “He gave everything and played some good matches in that position. We are speaking about a world champion, a European champion. It is difficult for him. Ifeel sorry for that and because of that I feel we couldn’t stop him going to Manchester United, despite being Manchester United’s direct rival.”
Mata, meanwhile, is expected to make hisUnited debut against Cardiff City on Tuesday.